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Latest travel news and reviews on US and world holidays, travel guides to global destinations, city breaks, hotels and restaurant information from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Fri, 18 Aug 2017 05:44:54 GMT2017-08-18T05:44:54Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland: hostel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/18/yha-the-sill-hadrians-wall-northumberland-hostel-review
<p>There’s been a hostel in this spot for more than 80 years but the new YHA flagship is one of a kind, with a museum and cafe and blending into the Unesco-listed landscape</p><p>At midday, we were lounging on a grassy roof terrace in blazing sunshine, gazing out over a 2,000-year-old world heritage site. By midnight, we were lazing in a stargazing hammock, watching a meteor shower flash across one of the world’s darkest skies. It could have been a boutique hotel in Chile’s Atacama desert, but it was a £15-a-night youth hostel in Northumberland.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/18/yha-the-sill-hadrians-wall-northumberland-hostel-review">Continue reading...</a>Northumberland holidaysHostelsWalking holidaysShort breaksWeekend breaksHotelsEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelFri, 18 Aug 2017 05:30:15 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/18/yha-the-sill-hadrians-wall-northumberland-hostel-reviewPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRRachel Dixon2017-08-18T05:30:15ZAlabama pit stops: 5 of the best gas station barbecue jointshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/alabama-5-best-gas-station-barbecue-bbq-joints-restaurants
<p>Alabama excels at the gas station barbecue – a sub-genre of one of the few truly American cuisines – which is tailor-made for lovers of the open road<br>• <strong>Barbecue is serious stuff: tell us </strong><strong>about your favourite place</strong><strong> in the comments</strong></p><p>Gas station barbecue is just what it says it is: homespun food, cooked yards from the petrol pumps, in small kitchens. Ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings are served on paper plates at simple table settings inside the garages, overlooking aisles stacked with engine oil, anti-freeze and rubber hoses. It is not surprising Alabama excels at this road-trip cuisine of convenience: the deep south’s Yellowhammer State <a href="http://www.estately.com/blog/2014/07/the-mostleast-barbecue-crazed-states-in-america/">reputedly has the most barbecue restaurants per capita of anywhere in the US</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/alabama-5-best-gas-station-barbecue-bbq-joints-restaurants">Continue reading...</a>United States holidaysFood and drinkRestaurantsRoad tripsDinersNorth and Central America holidaysTravelRestaurantsAmerican food and drinkFood & drinkThu, 17 Aug 2017 10:58:20 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/alabama-5-best-gas-station-barbecue-bbq-joints-restaurantsPhotograph: RICHARD McCOMBPhotograph: RICHARD McCOMBRichard McComb2017-08-17T10:58:20ZThe best of northern Spain: readers’ travel tipshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/northern-spain-galicia-basque-asturias-cantabria-readers-tips
<p>Forget crowded Med beaches: the four coastal regions of España Verde offer cool cities, wild shores and great walking in verdant coast and mountains</p><p>If you’d rather stray far from the tourist trail, the Basque Coast Geopark is a delight. It’s a protected area of the coastline around Mutriku, Deba, and Zumaia. There are 13km of cliffs made up of flysch (shale bed) deposits which have created layered and bizarre rock formations. We felt as though we were on the set of Jurassic Park. These staggering cliffs show how the Earth changed over millions of years and fossils are plentiful for the kids to admire. A boat tour is a great way to see it and costs €20 adult, €10 under-12s.<br>• <a href="http://geoparkea.com/es/visitas-guiadas/ruta-del-flysch/mutriku-deba-zumaia-paseo-en-barco?lang_code=es"><em>geoparkea.com</em></a><br><strong>Lisa Anderson</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/northern-spain-galicia-basque-asturias-cantabria-readers-tips">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysBasque country holidaysCity breaksWalking holidaysSummer holidaysFood and drinkEurope holidaysTravelSpanish food and drinkThu, 17 Aug 2017 05:30:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/17/northern-spain-galicia-basque-asturias-cantabria-readers-tipsPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoGuardian readers2017-08-17T05:30:00ZRowing in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/rowing-in-the-outer-hebrides-scotland-murdo-macleod-in-pictures
<p>Coastal rowing in small traditional skiffs is undergoing a revival in Scotland. Photographer Murdo MacLeod joins a community club on an expedition to explore the islands off Lewis and Harris</p><p>We are not a rampaging clan but a community rowing club come to reacquaint ourselves with our coastal environment and heritage on a four-day tour off the coast of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Our fleet comprised 40 rowers and sailors in five skiffs, a one-man row boat, a 10-metre dipping lugsail and two safety craft.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/rowing-in-the-outer-hebrides-scotland-murdo-macleod-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Scotland holidaysTravel photographyAdventure travelUnited Kingdom holidaysWater sports holidaysTravelRowingPhotographyScotlandWed, 16 Aug 2017 05:30:31 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/rowing-in-the-outer-hebrides-scotland-murdo-macleod-in-picturesPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianMurdo MacLeod2017-08-16T05:30:31ZSend us a tip on canoeing and kayaking – and win a £200 hotel voucherhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/send-us-a-tip-on-canoeing-and-kayaking-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher
<p>We’d like to hear about great canoe or kayak tours and holidays around the world, plus your favourite places to ‘go for a paddle’, for a chance to win our weekly prize</p><p>Taking to the water in a canoe or kayak is one of the best ways to get a different angle on coasts, lakes, canals and rivers. Whether you’re an expert paddler capable of long sea kayak trips or just like to pootle around calm waters, we want to hear the how, where, and what of your favourite spots.</p><p>Send us a tip via <strong>GuardianWitness </strong>of <strong>around </strong><strong>100 words</strong>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/send-us-a-tip-on-canoeing-and-kayaking-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher">Continue reading...</a>TravelWed, 16 Aug 2017 15:25:54 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/send-us-a-tip-on-canoeing-and-kayaking-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucherPhotograph: prPhotograph: pr2017-08-16T15:25:54ZTrain dreams: scenes from the Visakha Express, India – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/16/train-dreams-scenes-from-the-visakha-express-india-in-pictures
<p>A hint of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train and lush landscapes captured Madhu Kalyan’s eye in our weekly look at people’s travels through three Instagram images</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/16/train-dreams-scenes-from-the-visakha-express-india-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>India holidaysRail travelTravel photographyAsiaTravelPhotographyWed, 16 Aug 2017 12:35:32 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/16/train-dreams-scenes-from-the-visakha-express-india-in-picturesPhotograph: InstagramPhotograph: InstagramMadhu Kalyan2017-08-16T12:35:32ZBudapest’s Margaret Island, a green haven in Hungary’s capitalhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/budapest-margaret-island-free-park-danube-hungary
<p>The landscaped acres of this island in the Danube make a peaceful (and pretty much cost-free) day out in the middle of the city</p><p>An eye-shaped haven in the centre of the Danube, Margaret Island lies between the grandeur of Pest to the east and Buda, the city’s more frenetic side, to the west. Just 1.6 miles long (it is linked to a bridge at either end) and less than half a mile wide, it’s a tree-lined sanctuary away from the crowds. And, best of all, it’s (mainly) free.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/budapest-margaret-island-free-park-danube-hungary">Continue reading...</a>Budapest holidaysHungary holidaysParks and green spacesEurope holidaysCity breaksShort breaksWeekend breaksTravelWed, 16 Aug 2017 11:29:35 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/16/budapest-margaret-island-free-park-danube-hungaryPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoGrace Holliday2017-08-16T11:29:35Z'I've been sworn at, vomited on and touched inappropriately by drunken air passengers'https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/ive-been-sworn-at-vomited-on-and-touched-inappropriately-by-drunken-passengers
<p>According to tonight’s Panorama programme there have been 387 arrests for drunken air behaviour in the last year, a rise of 50%. The numbers may well be much higher says a former flight attendant</p><p>When you’re trapped in a pressurised metal tube, hurtling through the sky at 500mph, it’s an unusual situation. </p><p>Certain stresses – not being in control, lower oxygen levels, having your personal space encroached, or just pure excitement for your destination – mean people like to use alcohol to either manage nerves or to celebrate. But what if those drinks affect you more than usual? What if they make you behave in a way that you never normally would.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/ive-been-sworn-at-vomited-on-and-touched-inappropriately-by-drunken-passengers">Continue reading...</a>FlightsAir transportTravelWorld newsMon, 14 Aug 2017 14:59:03 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/ive-been-sworn-at-vomited-on-and-touched-inappropriately-by-drunken-passengersPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlly Murphy2017-08-14T14:59:03Z10 of the best beach bars in Portugalhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/best-beach-bars-portugal-lisbon-porto-algarve-alentejo-atlantic
<p>With cold beer, caipirinhas and great seafood, these bars, from the Algarve up to Porto, are as hot, bright and breezy as the stunning Atlantic coastline itself <br>• <strong>Best beach bars in </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/24/top-ten-beach-bars-france-riviera-normandy-provence-bordeaux-biarritz-saint-tropez"><strong>France</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/10-best-beach-bars-spain-barcelona-bilbao-girona"><strong>Spain</strong></a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/best-beach-bars-portugal-lisbon-porto-algarve-alentejo-atlantic">Continue reading...</a>Portugal holidaysFood and drinkBars and clubsEurope holidaysBeach holidaysTop 10sFamily holidaysTravelFood & drinkLife and styleMon, 14 Aug 2017 05:30:34 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/14/best-beach-bars-portugal-lisbon-porto-algarve-alentejo-atlanticPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoKevin Gould2017-08-14T05:30:34ZModern family: Greece with grown-up kidshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/modern-family-paxos-with-the-grown-up-kids
<p>A decade after a first family holiday in Greece, Martin Love heads to Paxos – and finds it wonderfully unchanged</p><p>The five of us stretched out on yoga mats with our toes pointing towards the sea. Above us the breeze stirred the leaves of the ancient olive trees. “<em>Eímai edó</em>,” intoned Sophie. “In Greek that means, ‘I am here.’” She continued in her gentle voice. “I am here in Paxos. I have arrived. I have moored on this rock surrounded by sea …” </p><p>Sophie was training to be a mindfulness teacher. When we lay down I’d have bet my favourite Speedos that we’d soon be in fits of laughter, but not one of us so much as sniggered. We lay in still, neat rows, like sardines, as her soothing words washed over us. After a while, Sophie brought us up from the depths. “I hope you are now at one with this island,” she said. We’d been on Paxos for less than half a day yet I had the giddy sensation I might just chuck it all in and stay here forever.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/modern-family-paxos-with-the-grown-up-kids">Continue reading...</a>Greek Islands holidaysGreece holidaysFamily holidaysEurope holidaysSummer holidaysBeach holidaysTravelSun, 13 Aug 2017 06:00:06 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/modern-family-paxos-with-the-grown-up-kidsPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRMartin Love2017-08-13T06:00:06ZTenerife's pop-up restaurants: tradition and taste – without the hypehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/tenerife-canaries-guachinches-pop-up-restaurants-food-wine
<p>In sheds, gardens and fields in the north of the island, wine growers run makeshift guachinches, selling their own wine and excellent local food</p><p>In the green, wine-growing areas of northern Tenerife, sharp-eyed visitors might spot makeshift restaurants in garages and courtyards. These unpretentious places are <em>guachinches</em>, originally outlets for small growers to sell their surplus wine. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed. Oilcloths in vibrant colours cover the tables and they are traditional, family-run affairs: the men selling the wine and women in charge of the food.</p><p>Cheese, bread and wine – mostly red – arrive first. The menus, with low prices (and cash only), feature traditional dishes such as <em>carne cabra </em>(goat meat), <em>garbanzas</em> (chickpea stew), <em>papas arrugadas</em> (Canarian boiled potatoes with a wrinkly, salty crust) or <em>carne fiesta</em> (marinated fried pork).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/tenerife-canaries-guachinches-pop-up-restaurants-food-wine">Continue reading...</a>Canary Islands holidaysFood and drinkSpain holidaysEurope holidaysRestaurantsTravelSpanish food and drinkLife and styleFood & drinkSun, 13 Aug 2017 11:00:12 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/tenerife-canaries-guachinches-pop-up-restaurants-food-winePhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoMonica R Goya2017-08-13T11:00:12ZFrench (almost) without tears: a summer school break in Francehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/french-lessons-language-school-course-children-france-morzine-family
<p>Just when you thought school was out ... mum books a holiday with language lessons, in Morzine, and signs up for classes, too</p><p>It’s perhaps not surprising that there wasn’t universal enthusiasm about a holiday at a French language school. I did my best to rebrand it as a French fun camp, but my attempts were met with weary cynicism by Rose, 13 – who wrote “Make escape plan” on her hand on the first day – and William, 11. “Why would <em>anyone </em>want to spend part of the summer holidays in a classroom?” they asked.</p><p>To begin with, maintaining a front of unflinching good humour in the face of their gloom was hard work. Gradually, though, they were won over. I wouldn’t say they were exactly skipping to catch the morning bus to classes, but by the end of our stay they were certainly scowling a lot less.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/french-lessons-language-school-course-children-france-morzine-family">Continue reading...</a>Language coursesFrance holidaysLearning holidaysEurope holidaysFamily holidaysSummer holidaysTravelSun, 13 Aug 2017 09:00:09 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/13/french-lessons-language-school-course-children-france-morzine-familyPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAmelia Gentleman2017-08-13T09:00:09ZUK road trip: the Anglo-Scottish borderhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-england-anglo-scottish-borders-castles
<p>There’s so much dramatic scenery and history on this week-long itinerary that crisscrosses between Scotland and England several times, taking in castles, beaches and wildlife<br><strong>More road trips: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-jurassic-coast-dorset-devon-cornwall-falmouth">Dorset to Cornwall</a> | <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-scarborough-lake-istrict-coast-to-coast">coast to coast</a></strong></p><p>The Anglo-Scottish border is a place of wild beauty, with a rich, poetic and bloody history. This is the land of the reivers, fierce clans of brigands who, from the 13th century until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, were to this region what the Apaches were to the US-Mexican frontier. <strong>Carlisle</strong>’s <a href="http://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/">Tullie House Museum</a> has an excellent permanent exhibition about them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-england-anglo-scottish-borders-castles">Continue reading...</a>Road tripsEngland holidaysScotland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEurope holidaysTravelSat, 12 Aug 2017 06:00:37 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-england-anglo-scottish-borders-castlesPhotograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesHarry Pearson2017-08-12T06:00:37ZUK road trip: northern England from coast to coasthttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-scarborough-lake-istrict-coast-to-coast
<p>Crossing three national parks and the Pennines, it goes without saying that this one-week route is a stunner, from Scarborough all the way to the Lake District<br><strong>More road trips: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-england-anglo-scottish-borders-castles">Anglo-Scottish Borders</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-jurassic-coast-dorset-devon-cornwall-falmouth">Dorset to Cornwall</a></strong></p><p>It’s worth getting up early in <strong>Scarborough</strong>: this is the east coast and dawn can be spectacular. The town spreads around two broad bays with a promontory in between, topped by the castle – Brontë fans will want to go up there via St Mary’s<strong> </strong>churchyard, where Anne is buried. South Bay is the earlier settlement: the harbour is a joy to explore and early birds who have an appetite should not miss the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Harbour-View-Cafe-118553381549201/">Harbour View Café</a>, aka “the tea shack”, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2014/jan/23/fish-and-chip-shop-scarborough-yorkshire">which serves superb fish and chips</a> from 6am till lunchtime, largely for the homecoming fishermen.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-scarborough-lake-istrict-coast-to-coast">Continue reading...</a>Yorkshire holidaysRoad tripsEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysLake District holidaysBeach holidaysTravelSat, 12 Aug 2017 06:00:37 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-scarborough-lake-istrict-coast-to-coastPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoKevin Rushby2017-08-12T06:00:37Z‘Herefordshire is just as lovely as the Dordogne’https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/herefordshire-john-lewis-stempel-wainwright-prize-wye-valley
<p>For author John Lewis-Stempel, winner of the Wainwright prize for nature writing, the county is heaven on Earth</p><p><strong>Herefordshire is one of England’s most rural places.</strong> Cradled by Worcestershire against the wall of Wales, it is the last of England. My family have lived here for 800 years.</p><p><strong>The west of the county is peregrine-stooped upland. </strong>The Black Hill, beloved of Bruce Chatwin and wilderness walkers, soars to 640 metres. The east is pastorally perfect: rich green fields for the famous Hereford cattle, and fertile red earth for hops. There are orchards too: this is the cider county, the home of Bulmers.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/herefordshire-john-lewis-stempel-wainwright-prize-wye-valley">Continue reading...</a>England holidaysCultural tripsHeritageTravelEdward ThomasRobert FrostBooksCultureFri, 11 Aug 2017 11:43:02 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/herefordshire-john-lewis-stempel-wainwright-prize-wye-valleyPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoJohn Lewis-Stempel2017-08-11T11:43:02ZBarcelona adds Segway ban to curbs on tourismhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/barcelona-spain-anti-tourism-protest-segway-ban
<p>As <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/anti-tourism-marches-spread-across-europe-venice-barcelona">anti-tourist sentiment grows across Europe</a>, the Catalan capital’s move is applauded by residents, with a new protest planned for the seaside neighbourhood</p><p>It was once dubbed the capital of cool, but these days visitors to Barcelona can expect a quite frosty welcome as the city’s love affair with tourism comes to a bitter end, with hooded youths spraying a tourist bus with slogans, and strike chaos at the city’s airport. On Wednesday, Segway tours and electric scooters were banned from the Old City and the seafront, in a move that will be applauded by most citizens.</p><p>The scooter and Segway issue is just one aspect of a widespread view that the city is becoming a theme park, run in the interests of tourists rather than residents, and that soaring rents, driven up by Airbnb and other platforms, are forcing residents out of their homes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/barcelona-spain-anti-tourism-protest-segway-ban">Continue reading...</a>Barcelona holidaysCatalonia holidaysSpain holidaysTravel & leisureEurope holidaysTravelAirbnbCity breaksBusinessBarcelonaFri, 11 Aug 2017 10:27:01 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/barcelona-spain-anti-tourism-protest-segway-banPhotograph: Getty ImagesPhotograph: Getty ImagesStephen Burgen2017-08-11T10:27:01ZWales on rails: fine food and great views on the Holyhead to Cardiffhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/gerald-of-wales-train-arriva-restaurant-dining-car-holyhead-to-cardiff
<p>The Gerald of Wales, which runs the length of the country, is a rarity: a train with an onboard chef serving three-course meals and proper morning fry-ups</p><p>I can smell Gerald long before I can see him. It’s a misty summer morning and there’s an aroma of frying bacon wafting from the onboard kitchen of the train that’s standing, almost bashfully, on the furthermost platform of Holyhead station, Anglesey. This must mean one of two things: I’m either watching a private luxury train preparing to take pensioners on a day trip, or I’ve travelled back in time and will shortly be enveloped in loco steam and handed a copy of the Picture Post and pouch of pipe tobacco by the man opening up the station kiosk.</p><p>“You’ll be wanting the full Welsh then, love?”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/gerald-of-wales-train-arriva-restaurant-dining-car-holyhead-to-cardiff">Continue reading...</a>Wales holidaysRail travelFood and drinkRestaurantsUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelRestaurantsFood & drinkLife and styleWalesThu, 10 Aug 2017 12:30:07 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/gerald-of-wales-train-arriva-restaurant-dining-car-holyhead-to-cardiffPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutRob Crossan2017-08-10T12:30:07ZTop 10 budget beach hotels and B&Bs on Mexico’s Pacific coasthttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/nov/18/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-mexico-pacific-coast-bed-breakfast
<p>Enjoy ocean views from rooftop bars or just step out and get the sand between your toes. From Mazatlán to Pochutla, here are 10 charming beachside escapes</p><p>Mexico’s Pacific coast, more than 1,000 miles of it, is renowned for its beaches, as well as the resorts which have attracted Hollywood royalty. However, it’s also an area that can experience tropical storms, usually between June and December. The most recent was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/24/hurricane-patricia-batters-mexico-with-165mph-winds-rain-and-storm-surges">Hurricane Patricia</a>, the strongest hurricane ever recorded at sea, which swept across the region at the end of October, but caused less damage than anticipated. Hotels are now operating as normal. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/nov/18/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-mexico-pacific-coast-bed-breakfast">Continue reading...</a>Mexico holidaysBudget travelHotelsBed and breakfastsNorth and Central America holidaysTop 10sTravelWed, 18 Nov 2015 06:30:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/nov/18/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-mexico-pacific-coast-bed-breakfastPhotograph: Danita Delimont/AlamyPhotograph: Danita Delimont/AlamyChristine Delsol2015-11-18T06:30:00ZTop 10 budget beach hotels, guesthouses and hostels on the Yucatán peninsula, Mexicohttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/feb/16/yucatan-mexico-budget-beach-hotels-hostels
<p>Well-known and deservedly popular for its jungle, coast and ancient ruins, the Yucatán peninsula can be a pricey place to stay – unless you pick one of these brilliant budget hotels and hostels</p><p>On the surface, this mid-size hotel in Cancún’s hotel zone is pretty unremarkable. The tile-floored rooms are big and clean, with terraces or balconies – though they’re not notably stylish. The restaurant is good, not gourmet. The pool is a sensible size. But set this against its glitzy, high-rise neighbours and check the rates, which are often lower than similarly appointed hotels on the mainland, 30 minutes from the water – and Beachscape starts looking pretty good. Then walk out on to the palm-shaded beach, one of the prettiest stretches in the hotel zone, and the place becomes a minor miracle.<br> <em>• Doubles from $109, +52 998 891 5427, </em><em><a href="http://www.beachscape.com.mx/default-en.html">beachscape.com.mx</a><br></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/feb/16/yucatan-mexico-budget-beach-hotels-hostels">Continue reading...</a>Mexico holidaysBeach holidaysHotelsNorth and Central America holidaysBudget travelHostelsBed and breakfastsWinter sunTravelTop 10sMon, 16 Feb 2015 06:00:10 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/feb/16/yucatan-mexico-budget-beach-hotels-hostelsPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyZora O'Neill2015-02-16T06:00:10ZTop 10 budget beach B&Bs in the Seychelleshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/26/top-10-budget-bed-breakfast-beach-seychelles
<p>The Seychelles islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue may be known for their luxury resorts but there is also a great selection of family-run, more affordable guesthouses just as close to the archipelago’s famous, world-class beaches</p><p>For a room with a five-star view, Colibri is hard to beat. Nine rustic rooms – all wood and stone – ensconced amid tropical foliage that tumbles down a hillside to the turquoise waters of Baie Sainte Anne. There’s no beach but you can use the small infinity pool overlooking the bay at neighbouring B&amp;B Chalets Cote Mer, also owned by Sylvie and Stephan, and costing about €10 more a night. You also share the waterfront creole restaurant. The owners can help with car hire but it’s a five-minute walk to a bus stop – which will take you to Praslin’s most famous beach Anse Lazio and the Unesco-protected <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/261">Vallée de Mai nature reserve</a> – and the jetty for ferries to Mahé and La Digue.<br>• <em>Doubles from £112 B&amp;B, +248 429 4200, </em><em><a href="http://www.colibrisweethome.com/en">colibrisweethome.com</a></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/26/top-10-budget-bed-breakfast-beach-seychelles">Continue reading...</a>Seychelles holidaysAfrica holidaysBed and breakfastsHotelsBudget travelBeach holidaysTop 10sTravelMon, 26 Jan 2015 06:00:01 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/26/top-10-budget-bed-breakfast-beach-seychellesPhotograph: Jorgen Andersson/PRCarana Hilltop Villa, Mahé Photograph: Jorgen AnderssonPhotograph: Jorgen Andersson/PRCarana Hilltop Villa, Mahé Photograph: Jorgen AnderssonSarah Gilbert2015-01-26T06:00:01ZTop 10 budget beach guesthouses and B&Bs in South Africa's Western Capehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/05/top-10-budget-beach-stays-hotels-south-africa-western-cape
<p>From Cape Town and its peninsula to the Garden Route and the West Coast, the Western Cape is a dazzling part of South Africa, and its beachside accommodation doesn’t have to break the bank</p><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/08/top-10-south-africa-east-coast-places-to-stay">Top 10 budget beach stays in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal</a></strong></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/05/top-10-budget-beach-stays-hotels-south-africa-western-cape">Continue reading...</a>South Africa holidaysBeach holidaysBudget travelAfrica holidaysTop 10sTravelMon, 05 Jan 2015 05:59:08 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/05/top-10-budget-beach-stays-hotels-south-africa-western-capePhotograph: /AlamyThe West Coast town of Yzerfontein, north of Cape Town. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: /AlamyThe West Coast town of Yzerfontein, north of Cape Town. Photograph: AlamyEmma Gregg2015-01-05T05:59:08ZTop 10 budget beach stays in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/08/top-10-south-africa-east-coast-places-to-stay
<p>Our pick of eco-lodges, cool guesthouses and rondavels make ideal bases for exploring South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast<br><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/oct/06/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-bungalows-bali-lombok"><strong>Top 10 budget beach stays in Bali and Lombok</strong></a><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/03/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-campsites-croatia"><strong>Top 10 budget beach hotels and villas in Croatia</strong></a></p><p><strong>Swell Eco Lodge, Mngcibe</strong><br>Offering a stylish and serene alternative to the sometimes rowdy backpacker lodges in nearby Coffee Bay, Swell Eco Lodge is a clutch of thatched rondavels on a grassy hillside at the mouth of the Mdumbi river, with sweeping ocean views. Each unit is spacious, with handmade furniture and cute, upcycled touches, such as plant pots and toothbrush holders made from old cans and jamjars. Power comes from a wind turbine, and the lodge conserves mains water thanks to a borehole and rainwater collection tanks. It’s a wonderfully remote spot – at night you’re dazzled by a dome of stars.<br><em>• Self-catering rondavels for two from £38, +27 72 346 5636, </em><a href="http://www.swellecolodge.com/"><em>swellecolodge.com</em></a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/08/top-10-south-africa-east-coast-places-to-stay">Continue reading...</a>South Africa holidaysBeach holidaysBudget travelBed and breakfastsHotelsAfrica holidaysTop 10sTravelMon, 08 Dec 2014 06:00:06 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/08/top-10-south-africa-east-coast-places-to-stayPhotograph: PRSwell Eco Lodge, Mngcibe, South AfricaPhotograph: PRSwell Eco Lodge, Mngcibe, South AfricaEmma Gregg2014-12-08T06:00:06ZTop 10 budget beach hotels, villas and bungalows in Bali and Lombokhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/oct/06/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-bungalows-bali-lombok
<p>Surf and diver pads, yoga retreats and stylish cabanas on deserted beaches … there are plenty of ways to get away from it all on Bali and neighbouring Lombok</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/oct/06/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-bungalows-bali-lombok">Continue reading...</a>Bali holidaysIndonesia holidaysAsiaTravelTop 10sBeach holidaysHotelsBudget travelMon, 06 Oct 2014 06:00:02 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/oct/06/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-bungalows-bali-lombokPhotograph: PRManta Dive Gili Air is the perfect place to sink into a tropical torpor.Photograph: PRManta Dive Gili Air is the perfect place to sink into a tropical torpor.Johnny Langenheim2014-10-06T06:00:02ZTop 10 budget beach hotels, villas and campsites in Croatiahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/03/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-campsites-croatia
Finding a prime spot on Croatia's coast in summer on a budget is no mean feat. Our picks range from a seafront villa on sandy car-free Lopud island to a bargain find in hip Hvar<p>Croatia has a short and intense high season. All prices cited here are valid for stays from mid-June to late August. Note that rates drop dramatically – sometimes by up to 50% – out of season. Beaches are rare in rocky Croatia, so these top 10 picks book out far in advance.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/03/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-campsites-croatia">Continue reading...</a>Croatia holidaysBeach holidaysHotelsEurope holidaysTravelTop 10sCamping holidaysBudget travelBed and breakfastsThu, 03 Jul 2014 05:01:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/03/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-campsites-croatiaPhotograph: PRAptly named Hotel Solitudo is the only hotel on Croatia's remote Lastovo islandPhotograph: PRAptly named Hotel Solitudo is the only hotel on Croatia's remote Lastovo islandKathryn Tomasetti2014-07-03T05:01:00ZTop 10 budget beach hotels, hostels and campsites near Vancouver, British Columbiahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jun/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-hostels-vancouver-british-columbia
British Columbia's rugged beaches offer everything from wild camping to luxury lodges. All these places to stay near Vancouver start at under £100 a night<p>A whiff of military utilitarianism still permeates the basic private rooms of this converted 1930s air force barracks, 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, set amongst the beachside blackberry bushes. But the imposing white HI Jericho Beach hostel also retains the convivial air that wafted around the decommissioned base when it was squatted by hippies and became the Cool Aid commune in 1970. After the "Battle of Jericho", in which the squatters were evicted, in 1971 it was converted into a 300-bed hostel, the largest in North America. Hippies, students and travellers still frequent the beach and a popular pursuit is sailing off into the sunset on a stand-up paddleboard; heading across English Bay towards the mountain-framed downtown peninsula. <br>• <em>+1 778 328 2220,</em> <a href="http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/168/hi-vancouver_jericho_beach.hostel" title=""><em>hihostels.ca</em></a><em>, Private rooms sleeping two from C$67 (£37) low season to $105 (£57) high season; dorms from C$28 (£15). Open May to September </em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jun/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-hostels-vancouver-british-columbia">Continue reading...</a>Beach holidaysTravelHostelsNorth and Central America holidaysTop 10sVancouver holidaysHotelsCanada holidaysWed, 25 Jun 2014 05:54:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jun/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-hostels-vancouver-british-columbiaPhotograph: AlamyOn the wild side … a beach near Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyOn the wild side … a beach near Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Photograph: AlamyAmy Watkins2014-06-25T05:54:00ZTop 10 budget beach hotels in Andalucía, Spain: part twohttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-costa-de-la-luz-spain
Spain's Costa de la Luz offers beach after golden beach. Here's our pick of the best affordable seaside hotels from Cádiz to Tarifa, from the family-friendly to wind and kitesurfing hangouts<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/apr/11/andalucia-best-budget-beach-hotels">• Part one: Andalucía from Malaga to Mojácar</a><p>The Hotel Fuerte Conil can't be called budget in high season, when prices rocket, but, for anyone lucky enough not to have school-age children, it can be a bargain in autumn or spring. It's part of a small chain but despite the fact it has a whopping 469 spacious rooms, the hotel has lots of personal touches, including a botanical garden complete with a random pony keeping the grass short. Inside, it has the feel of a kind of a sprawling Roman palace, the two outdoor pools shielded from the wind by the gleaming white buildings that surround them. For anyone who inexplicably wants to leave, Fontanilla beach is directly beneath the hotel and the centre of Conil, a likeable, white-washed fishing town, is just a few minutes' walk away.<br>• <em>0800 021 1397, </em><a href="http://www.fuertehoteles.com/en/hotels/resort-fuerte-conil-costaluz/" title=""><em>fuertehoteles.com/conil-cadiz</em></a><em>, doubles from €61</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-costa-de-la-luz-spain">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysBeach holidaysAndalucia holidaysEurope holidaysTravelBudget travelTop 10sTue, 25 Mar 2014 13:21:44 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/25/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-costa-de-la-luz-spainPhotograph: PRHotel Fuerte Conil on Spain's Costa de la LuzPhotograph: PRHotel Fuerte Conil on Spain's Costa de la LuzTrevor Baker2014-03-25T13:21:44ZTop 10 budget beach hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lankahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/feb/26/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-guesthouses-sri-lanka
Sri Lanka has some of Asia's loveliest, most surf-able beaches – and plenty of affordable places to stay. Here are 10 of the best hotels and guesthouses, starting at just £5 a night<p>This simple collection of rooms has been around for almost 25 years, and the atmosphere is pure surfer-casual – which is appropriate, given that Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's surf hotspot. Seven rustic treehouses on stilts have views and cool breezes, and there are six more rooms on the ground (some have shared bathrooms, ask before you book). The popular restaurant turns out set lunches of fresh Sri Lankan seafood and hosts barbecues on Friday nights – grab a seat at the long communal table and strike up a chat with some of the surfers who have been coming to stay with legendary owner Ranga for decades. A loosely fenced-in outdoor area has tables and hammocks interspersed with scrubby trees just a few metres from the sea – the perfect place to hang loose with a lassi. <br><em>• +94 773 179 594, </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-BEACH-HUT-ARUGAM-BAY/295237929786" title=""><em>Facebook page</em></a><em>, double rooms from £10</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/feb/26/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-guesthouses-sri-lanka">Continue reading...</a>Sri Lanka holidaysBeach holidaysHotelsBed and breakfastsAsiaTravelBudget travelWinter sunWed, 26 Feb 2014 09:45:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/feb/26/top-10-budget-beach-hotels-guesthouses-sri-lankaNell McShane Wulfhart2014-02-26T09:45:00ZLisbon city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and hotelshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/08/lisbon-portugal-stay-hotels-food-museums-city-guide
<p>Portugal’s capital is bursting with culture and great places to eat, stay and party – and it’s the cheapest city break destination in western Europe</p><p>Assemble a city-break destination from a wishlist of components and you get Lisbon: a wide glittering river, limpid skies, steep cobbled streets, palaces, churches (and a castle, of course), tiles in pink, mint and indigo, and cheap, fresh, grilled sardines to eat outside a <em>tasca</em> (bar) in the sun. It’s a place so beautiful you can’t believe people are using it to live in. And Lisbon is decidedly lively. Every year it seems there is more to do, more to eat and more distance to cover.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/08/lisbon-portugal-stay-hotels-food-museums-city-guide">Continue reading...</a>Lisbon holidaysPortugal holidaysEurope holidaysFood and drinkShort breaksCity breaksWeekend breaksTravelSat, 08 Jul 2017 10:00:05 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/08/lisbon-portugal-stay-hotels-food-museums-city-guidePhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoSorrel Downer2017-07-08T10:00:05ZToulouse city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and hotelshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/01/toulouse-france-city-holiday-guide-restaurants-hotels-bars
<p>In France’s sunny ‘pink city’, ancient palaces show world-class art and crowds sip pastis and eat cassoulet and top-notch tapas at lively food markets </p><p>Ask French people where they would prefer to live and one answer that keeps coming up is Toulouse. Some 10,000 people settle here each year, drawn to the romantic <em>ville rose, </em>by the sunny southern climate and the lively bistros and bodegas serving delicious regional cuisine alongside tasty Spanish tapas. A Latin spirit pervades the city just 100km from the Spanish border, and the laid-back <em>toulousains</em> could not be more welcoming. Many of the distinctive red-brick palaces and mansions in the historic centre house world-class museums, and with a 100,000-strong student population, weekends turn into one long fiesta. Join them sipping a pastis <em>apéro</em> on the grassy banks of the fast-flowing Garonne river, or dancing salsa into the early hours.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/01/toulouse-france-city-holiday-guide-restaurants-hotels-bars">Continue reading...</a>Toulouse holidaysFrance holidaysEurope holidaysCity breaksShort breaksWeekend breaksFrench food and drinkTravelRestaurantsHotelsBars and clubsSat, 01 Jul 2017 06:00:06 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/01/toulouse-france-city-holiday-guide-restaurants-hotels-barsPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRJohn Brunton2017-07-01T06:00:06ZEast Sicily: what to see plus the best bars, beaches, restaurants and hotelshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jun/24/sicily-holiday-guide-beaches-hotels-bars-restaurants-syracusa-mount-etna
<p>With baroque palaces, fine beaches and Mount Etna, the Ionian coast is home to most of the island’s crown jewels – underpinned by glorious local food and drink</p><p>Light reflecting off churches and palaces, views of craggy mountains and blue sea, smells of orange blossom, oregano and mint … Sicily is an inspiring place, particularly for northern Europeans. “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all,” said German writer Goethe in 1787. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jun/24/sicily-holiday-guide-beaches-hotels-bars-restaurants-syracusa-mount-etna">Continue reading...</a>Sicily holidaysItaly holidaysEurope holidaysTravelBeach holidaysCultural tripsSat, 24 Jun 2017 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jun/24/sicily-holiday-guide-beaches-hotels-bars-restaurants-syracusa-mount-etnaPhotograph: diegograndi/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: diegograndi/Getty Images/iStockphotoLiz Boulter2017-06-24T06:00:00ZPortland city guide: what to see plus the best hotels, bars and restaurantshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/may/27/portland-oregon-city-guide-best-hotels-restaurants-bars
<p>It’s famous, derided even, for hipster coffee and craft beer, but there’s so much more to one of America’s coolest cities – and there are new direct flights from London, too</p><p>All hail Portland! The Pacific Northwest trail-blazer is a vibrant hub that celebrates the four cool “Cs” of coffee, cycling, craft breweries and (food) carts. What’s more, new direct flights four times a week in summer with Delta from Heathrow start on 27 May, making what was a torturous journey – with connections in either Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco or Vancouver – a more bearable 11-hour trip.</p><p>This is a contradictory, rapidly evolving and messy place, which for many is teetering on the brink … of boom or bust. See, Portland is about much more than those tourist must-have buzzwords or hipster hit lists.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/may/27/portland-oregon-city-guide-best-hotels-restaurants-bars">Continue reading...</a>Portland USA holidaysOregonUnited States holidaysNorth and Central America holidaysTravelFood and drinkFood & drinkAmerican food and drinkHotelsBars and clubsSat, 27 May 2017 11:00:26 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/may/27/portland-oregon-city-guide-best-hotels-restaurants-barsPhotograph: Greg Vaughn / Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Greg Vaughn / Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Stock PhotoRobert Hull2017-05-27T11:00:26ZBrussels city guide: what to see plus the best bars, hotels and restaurantshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/29/brussels-city-guide-bars-hotels-restaurants-vintage-markets
<p>Ignore the cynics, Brussels is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, with hip bars and cafes, vintage markets and a fine line in the ‘9th Art’</p><p>Living in Paris, I am used to getting a surprised look from French friends when I tell them I am off for a fun weekend in Brussels. For sure, this may not be a top-10 destination for sightseeing, though the monumental <strong>Grand Place</strong>, with its ornate guild houses and palaces, ranks alongside Venice’s Piazza San Marco as Europe’s most breathtaking square. But the Belgian capital is forever reinventing itself with hip new places to stay, restaurants, bars and nightlife, as well as shopping that spans designer fashion boutiques to vintage bargains at one of the great authentic flea markets on the Jeu de Balle square.</p><p>Every weekend there is an event taking place, from the funky <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrusselsFoodTruckFestival/"><strong>Food Truck Festival</strong></a> to nonstop concerts and street theatre in <a href="http://bsf.be/en/"><strong>Brussels Summer Festival</strong></a>, followed by <a href="http://www.designseptember.be/"><strong>Design September</strong> </a> and <strong>Brussels Fashion Days</strong> in October. There’s some serious partying during <a href="http://www.belgianbrewers.be/"><strong>Belgian Beer Weekend</strong></a> (2-3 September) and the month-long traditional Christmas market.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/29/brussels-city-guide-bars-hotels-restaurants-vintage-markets">Continue reading...</a>Brussels holidaysBelgium holidaysHotelsBars and clubsRestaurantsHostelsFood and drinkCultural tripsMuseumsShopping tripsTravelEurope holidaysFood & drinkSat, 29 Apr 2017 06:00:22 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/29/brussels-city-guide-bars-hotels-restaurants-vintage-marketsPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyJohn Brunton2017-04-29T06:00:22ZThe alt city guide to Brightonhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/19/alt-city-guide-brighton-festival-fringe-art-music-food-beer
<p>Brighton’s festival scene in May could be the reason for a spring visit but this creative and collaborative seaside town has inspirational art, music, food and drink on tap year-round</p><p>You might imagine that Brighton, the seaside resort and party town, and Brighton, the lefty, bohemian city (the only one in the UK with a Green MP), co-exist independently. Talk to local creatives, however, and that distinction blurs.</p><p>Brighton is about collaboration generated by the enthusiasm of the people running spaces here</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/19/alt-city-guide-brighton-festival-fringe-art-music-food-beer">Continue reading...</a>Brighton holidaysCity breaksShort breaksWeekend breaksBars and clubsFestivalsFood and drinkUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelFood & drinkFestivalsCultureLife and styleWed, 19 Apr 2017 05:30:12 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/19/alt-city-guide-brighton-festival-fringe-art-music-food-beerPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRTony Naylor2017-04-19T05:30:12ZDiscovering Portugal’s wild sidehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/15/wild-portugal-weekend-breaks-from-lisbon-faro-porto-airports
<p>For unspoilt countryside, top camping, hiking, wild swimming, plus great local food and wine – and all doable in a weekend from the three main airports – try one of these itineraries from Edwina Pitcher’s <a href="http://www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-portugal-book/">Wild Guide Portugal</a></p><p>Away from the busy coastal resorts, Portugal is a timeless and magical place. To the north and east, there are wild mountains and sparkling lakes; to the south and west, there are dusty olive groves, secret beaches and hidden caves; and everywhere you will find rustic villages, standing stones, magical woodland and hilltop castles. So head inland from the airports on one of these three weekend itineraries and discover a country where shepherds bake bread, villagers make wine, honey and olive oil, and the hospitality is perennial.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/15/wild-portugal-weekend-breaks-from-lisbon-faro-porto-airports">Continue reading...</a>Portugal holidaysWalking holidaysAlentejo holidaysCamping holidaysSwimming holidaysFood and drinkCultural tripsTravelHotelsEurope holidaysWeekend breaksShort breaksSat, 15 Apr 2017 06:00:17 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/15/wild-portugal-weekend-breaks-from-lisbon-faro-porto-airportsPhotograph: Edwina PitcherPhotograph: Edwina PitcherEdwina Pitcher2017-04-15T06:00:17ZSeville city guide: what to do plus the best hotels, restaurants and barshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/08/seville-city-guide-what-to-do-best-hotels-restaurants-bars
<p>Rich in culture and sizzling with energy, this Andalucían city is a feast for the senses. Here are our picks of the best places to eat, drink and party with the Sevillanos</p><p>Spectacular architecture, vibrant festivals and flamenco flamboyance; Seville has plenty of peacock oomph. There is the cathedral designed so that “those who see it built will say we’re mad”; its Plaza de España, created for the world expo in 1929; the Real Alcázar (royal palace), as seen in Game of Thrones; plus the winding alleys of the Jewish quarter (Santa Cruz). Add in private palaces, Moorish<em> </em>patios, Roman columns here and there, and a golden tower. All this, and it’s the former home of Carmen and Don Juan and Velázquez (although most visitors don’t make it to the Hospital of the Venerable Bishops, which is full of his art).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/08/seville-city-guide-what-to-do-best-hotels-restaurants-bars">Continue reading...</a>Seville holidaysAndalucia holidaysEurope holidaysRestaurantsShort breaksCity breaksCultural tripsSpain holidaysWeekend breaksTravelSat, 08 Apr 2017 09:00:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/08/seville-city-guide-what-to-do-best-hotels-restaurants-barsPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamySorrel Downer2017-04-08T09:00:00ZEastern Europe on a budget: bargains from Poland to Montenegrohttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/02/eastern-europe-post-brexit-budget-holidays
<p>With its quieter beaches, pristine castle-dotted countryside and idyllic islands, eastern Europe is becoming popular for more than just city breaks</p><p>While <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/krakow">Kraków</a> remains <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/poland">Poland</a>’s top destination, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/29/wroclaw-poland-post-punk-arts-gallery-restaurants">Wrocław</a> increasingly drawing attention as a hip alternative, the country’s vast countryside is a dream setting for a summer holiday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/02/eastern-europe-post-brexit-budget-holidays">Continue reading...</a>Poland holidaysCzech Republic holidaysEstonia holidaysMontenegro holidaysCroatia holidaysBeach holidaysSummer holidaysFamily holidaysTravelSun, 02 Apr 2017 06:00:46 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/02/eastern-europe-post-brexit-budget-holidaysPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoWill Coldwell2017-04-02T06:00:46ZGreece on a budget: locals' tips on where to stay and eathttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/01/greece-cheap-holidays-athens-and-islands
<p>Still in the midst of its debt crisis, the notion of UK travellers on a budget in Greece might induce some black humour from locals, but tourists can help the economy – and save a few euros themselves</p><p>Greece’s debt crisis rumbles on, making it harder for locals to go on holiday. But with 27 million visitors predicted in 2017, the tourism industry has proved resilient. As a result, enterprising Greeks are throwing open their villas and apartments to holiday-makers, offering personalised tours, and launching travel start-ups, to help visitors gain more authentic experiences of the country.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/01/greece-cheap-holidays-athens-and-islands">Continue reading...</a>Greece holidaysGreek Islands holidaysGreek food and drinkCultural tripsEurope holidaysFood and drinkHotelsCamping holidaysBed and breakfastsTravelBudget travelSat, 01 Apr 2017 08:15:19 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/01/greece-cheap-holidays-athens-and-islandsPhotograph: incrediblue.comPhotograph: incrediblue.comRachel Howard2017-04-01T08:15:19ZA Buddha in the hills, Hokkaido, Japan: travel photo of the weekhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/17/buddha-in-hills-hokkaido-japan-travel-photo-of-the-week
<p>On the outskirts of Sapporo, this huge statue by architect Tadao Ando creates a startling stony vision amid the landscape</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/17/buddha-in-hills-hokkaido-japan-travel-photo-of-the-week">Continue reading...</a>Japan holidaysTravel photographyCultural tripsHeritageAsiaTravelPhotographyThu, 17 Aug 2017 12:00:14 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/17/buddha-in-hills-hokkaido-japan-travel-photo-of-the-weekPhotograph: Shigeo OgawaPhotograph: Shigeo OgawaThe Guardian2017-08-17T12:00:14ZTravel photo of the week: high wire act in the Bernese Alpshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/11/travel-photo-of-the-week-high-wire-act-bernese-alps-switzerland
<p>Riders on the new Grindelwald First zipline in Switzerland get Alpine peaks as a backdrop – if they’re brave enough to keep their eyes open!</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/11/travel-photo-of-the-week-high-wire-act-bernese-alps-switzerland">Continue reading...</a>Switzerland holidaysTravel photographyEurope holidaysTravelAlps holidaysFri, 11 Aug 2017 12:30:16 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/picture/2017/aug/11/travel-photo-of-the-week-high-wire-act-bernese-alps-switzerlandPhotograph: Simon VogtPhotograph: Simon VogtThe Guardian2017-08-11T12:30:16ZA Greek island odyssey – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/09/a-greek-island-odyssey-drone-photography-instagram-sporades
<p>For one week, we handed our Instagram feed over to drone photographer Marina Vernicos. These images are her ode to summer in the Sporades islands</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/09/a-greek-island-odyssey-drone-photography-instagram-sporades">Continue reading...</a>Greek Islands holidaysGreece holidaysTravel photographyEurope holidaysTravelPhotographyWed, 09 Aug 2017 11:05:14 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/09/a-greek-island-odyssey-drone-photography-instagram-sporadesPhotograph: Marina VernicosPhotograph: Marina VernicosMarina Vernicos2017-08-09T11:05:14ZReaders' travel photography competition: July – the winnershttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photography-competition-july-2017-the-winners
<p>This month’s images include contrasting views of an iconic bridge in Myanmar, the Kyrgyzstan steppe and a North Yorkshire storm. Scroll to see the winner, who receives a £200 holiday voucher from <a href="https://www.exodus.co.uk/">Exodus Travels</a>. The overall 2017 winner will go on a <a href="https://www.exodus.co.uk/costa-rica-holidays/wildlife/discover-costa-rica/wuc-86197?flights=1">16-night wildlife holiday for two to Costa Rica with Exodus</a><br>• <strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/series/readers-travel-tips-photo-competition">Enter August’s competition</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photography-competition-july-2017-the-winners">Continue reading...</a>Travel photographyTravelPhotographyFri, 04 Aug 2017 10:00:40 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photography-competition-july-2017-the-winnersPhotograph: Doug Scott/GuardianWitnessPhotograph: Doug Scott/GuardianWitnessThe Guardian2017-08-04T10:00:40ZReaders’ travel photo competition: August – win a trip to Costa Rica!https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photo-competition-august-win-a-trip-to-costa-rica
<p>Proud of your snaps while abroad? Then enter our travel photo competition for a chance to win a <a href="https://www.exodus.co.uk/costa-rica-holidays/wildlife/discover-costa-rica/wuc-86197?flights=1">wildlife holiday for two to Costa Rica with Exodus Travels</a>. No theme – just send your best travel shot</p><p>Close-up, wide angle, people or wildlife, landscape or still life … the field is open. We just want to see your best travel shot. We’ll choose and publish a selection of our favourites, and the winning image for this month will receive a £200 voucher that can be used against an <a href="https://www.exodus.co.uk/">Exodus Travels</a> holiday.</p><p>All the monthly winners will be entered for the overall annual prize, a fantastic <a href="https://www.exodus.co.uk/costa-rica-holidays/wildlife/discover-costa-rica/wuc-86197?flights=1">16-night holiday for two to Costa Rica with Exodus Travels</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photo-competition-august-win-a-trip-to-costa-rica">Continue reading...</a>Travel photographyTravelPhotographyFri, 04 Aug 2017 09:59:45 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/readers-travel-photo-competition-august-win-a-trip-to-costa-ricaPhotograph: Juan Carlos Ulate/REUTERSPhotograph: Juan Carlos Ulate/REUTERSThe Guardian2017-08-04T09:59:45ZFiddle, fish and board game fun: a snapshot of Zanzibar life – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/03/fiddle-fish-and-board-game-fun-a-snapshot-of-zanzibar-life-in-pictures
<p>Photographer Sam Vox’s patience paid off in these glimpses of island life on Zanzibar – part of our weekly look at people’s travels through three Instagram images</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/03/fiddle-fish-and-board-game-fun-a-snapshot-of-zanzibar-life-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Tanzania holidaysTravel photographyAfrica holidaysTravelPhotographyThu, 03 Aug 2017 11:52:09 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/03/fiddle-fish-and-board-game-fun-a-snapshot-of-zanzibar-life-in-picturesPhotograph: Sam VoxPhotograph: Sam VoxSam Vox2017-08-03T11:52:09ZNational Geographic travel photographer of the year 2017 winners – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/02/national-geographic-travel-photographer-of-the-year-2017-winners-in-pictures
<p>After much deliberation, the judges have announced the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners. The selection of winning images explores the diversity of the world through its geography and its inhabitants </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/02/national-geographic-travel-photographer-of-the-year-2017-winners-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Travel photographyTravelPhotographyWorld newsHeritageWed, 02 Aug 2017 11:24:49 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/aug/02/national-geographic-travel-photographer-of-the-year-2017-winners-in-picturesPhotograph: Andy Yeung/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the YearPhotograph: Andy Yeung/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the YearThe Guardian2017-08-02T11:24:49ZWorld’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in the Swiss Alpshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/worlds-longest-pedestrian-suspension-bridge-swiss-alps-charles-kuonen
<p>High and handsome amid beautiful Swiss scenery, the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge offers hikers a time-saving, jaw-dropping experience</p><p>The world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened in Switzerland, inviting walkers to brave a narrow path running 86 metres above the ground at its highest point. The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, in the Swiss Alps, near the village of Randa, is a record-breaking 494 metres long and connects Grächen and Zermatt on the Europaweg foot trail.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/worlds-longest-pedestrian-suspension-bridge-swiss-alps-charles-kuonen">Continue reading...</a>Switzerland holidaysEurope holidaysTravelTravel photographyPhotographySwitzerlandEuropeWorld newsWed, 02 Aug 2017 11:02:32 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/worlds-longest-pedestrian-suspension-bridge-swiss-alps-charles-kuonenPhotograph: Valentin FlauraudPhotograph: Valentin FlauraudWill Coldwell2017-08-02T11:02:32ZThe Great House, Sonning, Berkshire: hotel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/great-house-sonning-berskhire-hotel-review-george-clooney
<p>The riverside village beloved of Jerome K Jerome and George Clooney is home to a swish bar and restaurant and, now, characterful but good-value bedrooms to match</p><p>It is obligatory, when writing about the Thames-side village of Sonning, to quote Jerome K Jerome. In his 1889 novel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/10/100-best-novels-three-men-boat-jerome">Three Men in a Boat</a> he said: “It is the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river. It is more like a stage village than one built of bricks and mortar.” It has retained these charms but now there is another name to drop: George Clooney. He and his wife, Amal, bought a £10m house here in 2014. They are the latest in a long line of celebrity residents of this village four miles east of Reading, from Terence Rattigan to, er, Uri Geller.</p><p>I arrive expecting to see Clooneys around every corner. Alas, it isn’t to be: perhaps they are in one of their other houses, in LA, Lake Como, or Mexico … But enough celeb-stalking; I’m here to check out the Great House at Sonning, which reopened in May after a major refurbishment. The main building is a Grade II-listed Elizabethan inn, with gardens spilling down to the river. There are more rooms around the courtyard – 49 in all, from “cosy” to suites.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/great-house-sonning-berskhire-hotel-review-george-clooney">Continue reading...</a>Berkshire holidaysHotelsShort breaksWeekend breaksEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelGeorge ClooneyFri, 11 Aug 2017 05:30:50 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/11/great-house-sonning-berskhire-hotel-review-george-clooneyPhotograph: Paul WInch-Furness PhotographerPhotograph: Paul WInch-Furness PhotographerRachel Dixon2017-08-11T05:30:50ZHow Britain fell for Wetherspoon’shttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/06/how-britain-fell-for-wetherspoons
<p> Wetherspoon’s has won a special place in our hearts, bourgeois snobbery notwithstanding. As it nears its 40th birthday, Ed Cumming visits his local</p><p>Honestly, this is nicer than the X,” says my girlfriend, referencing an international luxury hotel brand whose name you would know but whose favour, as a travel writer, she is keen not to lose.</p><p>The problem is that we are not staying with a rival luxury hotel chain. We’re in a Spoons. More specifically, we are in the <a href="https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/hotels/england/london/the-greenwood-hotel">Greenwood</a> in Sudbury Hill, west London, sampling one of the 40 hotels JD Wetherspoon now operates around the country. Our entire stay, including room, dinner, drinks and breakfast for two, will come to less than a single round of drinks I bought in a bar in Soho the previous week. But, as I look up at the ceiling, my belly full of steak and beer, lying in the comfortable bed, clean from the hot shower, I think: maybe she has a point. Then I begin to question some of my other consumer choices.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/06/how-britain-fell-for-wetherspoons">Continue reading...</a>PubsSocietyRestaurantsFood & drinkLife and styleAlcoholHotelsTravelSun, 06 Aug 2017 07:00:34 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/06/how-britain-fell-for-wetherspoonsPhotograph: Gillian EvansPhotograph: Gillian EvansEd Cumming2017-08-06T07:00:34ZFive Acre Barn, Leiston, Suffolk: hotel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/five-acre-barn-leiston-suffolk-hotel-review
<p>With adventurous contemporary architecture, cool styling and a warm welcome, this is a chic alternative to Suffolk’s many old-fashioned, chintzy B&amp;Bs</p><p>To most first-time visitors, the Suffolk coast seems a sleepy kind of place. Cut off by a lack of main roads (either refreshing or frustrating, depending on your perspective), its Constable landscapes remain largely unchanged, its coastal towns and villages yielding to a bygone idyll of rowing boats (Thorpeness), faded Victorian architecture (Aldeburgh) and wind-whipped walks and crabbing (Walberswick). It seems peculiar that an area such as this, so obviously ripe for swooning urbanites, has so few decent places to stay – other than full holiday houses or chintzy B&amp;Bs.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/five-acre-barn-leiston-suffolk-hotel-review">Continue reading...</a>Suffolk holidaysBed and breakfastsHotelsEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelFri, 04 Aug 2017 05:30:34 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/five-acre-barn-leiston-suffolk-hotel-reviewPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutEmily Mathieson2017-08-04T05:30:34Z10 great wilderness cabins and campsites in Canada: readers’ tipshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/03/10-great-cabins-campsites-canada-wilderness-alberta-ontario-yukon
<p>Whether it’s backcountry camping, huts for post-hike relaxation or a hot tub and luxury cabin after a day in a canoe, our tipsters know some great stays<br></p><p>Simply one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited: remote, barely known, a hidden gem, this is Lake Atlin. The view from the deck of the cabin is so stunning you can only stand and stare in awe at the lake dotted with forested islands, lined with wild beaches, backed by the vast mountains, snow fields and glaciers of Alaska and the Yukon – all reflected in the water. These cabins, set on an unspoilt alpine mountainside, have spring water, logs, barbecue supplied and canoes for rent. Follow lake or mountain trails and sleep like never before in the silence of the wilderness.<br>• <em>From C$79 (around £50) a night, sleeps two, additional person £7.50, </em><a href="http://glacierviewcabins.ca/"><em>glacierviewcabins.ca</em></a><br><strong>heather</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/03/10-great-cabins-campsites-canada-wilderness-alberta-ontario-yukon">Continue reading...</a>Canada holidaysSelf-cateringAdventure travelNorth and Central America holidaysHotelsWalking holidaysCamping holidaysCanoeing and kayaking holidaysTravelThu, 03 Aug 2017 05:30:07 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/03/10-great-cabins-campsites-canada-wilderness-alberta-ontario-yukonPhotograph: Glacier View CabinsPhotograph: Glacier View CabinsGuardian readers2017-08-03T05:30:07Z10 of the best things to do in Pisahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/10-best-things-to-do-pisa-italy-tower-hotel-bars
<p>A €30m redevelopment has funded the revamp of many of this walkable Italian city’s main attractions – including its tower – and there are great bars, restaurants and hotels to relax in after the sightseeing<br></p><p>The leaning tower, duomo and baptistery are must-sees. It costs nothing to wander the green lawns (with crowds picnicking and taking silly photographs), admiring the centuries-old white marble and 5.5-degree lean on the Torre Pendente. <a href="http://www.opapisa.it/en/">Entry to the tower</a> is pricey (€18pp/under-10s free) but includes the cathedral. It’s a thrill to climb the steep, narrow steps once trodden by Galileo Galilei, and the view of the city is superb. From this year, 2km of the city walls are open (first weekend of the month, 10am-6pm, free), providing views also of Camposanto cemetery and of the huge weights used to pull the tower 45cm closer to vertical in 2007, after it was closed amid safety fears.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/10-best-things-to-do-pisa-italy-tower-hotel-bars">Continue reading...</a>Pisa holidaysItaly holidaysCultural tripsBars and clubsHotelsRestaurantsTop 10sTravelEurope holidaysWed, 02 Aug 2017 05:30:38 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/02/10-best-things-to-do-pisa-italy-tower-hotel-barsPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoLiz Boulter2017-08-02T05:30:38ZRoom 104 review – multi-genre motel anthology makes for a thrilling stayhttps://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/28/room-104-duplass-brothers-hbo-review
<p>The new series by Jay and Mark Duplass shows different slices of life in the same dinky room, gliding between horror and romance with aplomb</p><p>For the past several years, the Duplass brothers – Jay, 44, and Mark, 40 – have been everywhere: in front of the camera on Transparent and The Mindy Project, in the producer’s chair on the animated series Animals and as triple-threats on HBO’s Togetherness, which they created, wrote, and, in Mark’s case, starred in. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/24/tv-od-peak-the-get-down-sense8-girlboss">TV OD: have we reached Peak Television?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/28/room-104-duplass-brothers-hbo-review">Continue reading...</a>US televisionCultureHBOTelevision industryHotelsDramaTelevisionTelevision & radioUS television industryFri, 28 Jul 2017 17:13:50 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/28/room-104-duplass-brothers-hbo-reviewPhotograph: HBOPhotograph: HBOJake Nevins2017-07-28T17:13:50ZHelen Browning’s Royal Oak, Wiltshire: hotel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/helen-brownings-royal-oak-pub-bishopstone-wiltshire-hotel-review
<p>The pioneering organic farmer has expanded her local pub’s offering to include a stylishly idiosyncratic B&amp;B, with piggy treats top of the bill</p><p>‘Noise and smell – that’s what people expect of a pig farm,” says Tim. “But look!” There are hundreds of scampering piglets in the field, plus 15-20 huge <a href="http://www.britishpigs.org.uk/breed_bs.htm">saddleback</a> sows, yet all we can hear – apart from the odd clang as bigger piglets get enthusiastic at the trough – is birdsong, and the air is fresh and sweet.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/helen-brownings-royal-oak-pub-bishopstone-wiltshire-hotel-review">Continue reading...</a>Wiltshire holidaysHotelsTravelBed and breakfastsOrganicsFarmingUnited Kingdom holidaysShort breaksPorkEngland holidaysMeatFri, 28 Jul 2017 05:30:18 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/helen-brownings-royal-oak-pub-bishopstone-wiltshire-hotel-reviewPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutLiz Boulter2017-07-28T05:30:18ZAirbnb agrees to close reviews loophole after intervention by UK regulatorhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/airbnb-agrees-reviews-loophole-intervention-cma-regulator
<p>Accommodation website to allow guests who leave before the end of stay to post comments in bid to expose poor-quality listings</p><p>Regulators have forced Airbnb to rectify a major flaw in its customer review system which meant that until now some of the worst listings have escaped bad reviews.</p><p>Currently, guests who decide to cancel their stay or leave early because the apartment or house is a bit of a dump cannot automatically leave a review. They are usually offered a refund – minus the Airbnb fee, which they lose – but then their booking is only shown as “cancelled”. It means customers looking at the reviews of a property have no idea that previous renters thought the place was so bad they could not stay there.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/airbnb-agrees-reviews-loophole-intervention-cma-regulator">Continue reading...</a>Consumer affairsAirbnbCompetition and Markets AuthorityUK newsConsumer rightsBed and breakfastsHotelsTechnologyInternetMoneyThu, 27 Jul 2017 14:15:27 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/airbnb-agrees-reviews-loophole-intervention-cma-regulatorPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoMiles Brignall2017-07-27T14:15:27ZThe golden age of luggage labels – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2017/jul/26/luggage-labels-from-golden-age-of-travel-in-pictures
<p>From the sun-baked beaches of Sri Lanka to the Saigon watering hole adored by Graham Greene, the world’s greatest hotels had to have the world’s greatest luggage labels – and <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/ephemera/vintage-luggage-labels/">AbeBooks</a> has now brought together the most beautiful examples</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2017/jul/26/luggage-labels-from-golden-age-of-travel-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Graphic designDrawingCultureTravelHotelsArt and designIllustrationArtDesignWed, 26 Jul 2017 05:59:33 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2017/jul/26/luggage-labels-from-golden-age-of-travel-in-picturesPhotograph: abebooksPhotograph: abebooks2017-07-26T05:59:33ZTake the kids to … William’s Den, North Cave, East Yorkshirehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/williams-den-play-area-yorkshire-family-days-out-zipwires
<p>This slick new Yorkshire attraction mixes traditional indoor fun and games with zipwires and swings in the great outdoors. There really is something here for all ages</p><p>A new addition to Yorkshire’s theme parks and attractions, William’s Den opened on 3 July. It combines an indoor play area where all the structures are made of wood and rope with a huge outdoor section that features zipwires, tyre swings and places to make your own den in. Indoors is a beautifully put-together complex of suspended rope tunnels and platforms, a vast hollow oak tree with various levels and climbing apparatus, a fireman’s pole, a rope-ball swing, a huge sandpit, a water system based on a stream running through a wood, and a chill-out area with bucket chairs and bean bags.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/williams-den-play-area-yorkshire-family-days-out-zipwires">Continue reading...</a>Yorkshire holidaysFamily holidaysDay tripsEngland holidaysTheme parksUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelTue, 15 Aug 2017 12:19:37 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/williams-den-play-area-yorkshire-family-days-out-zipwiresPhotograph: Picasa/PRPhotograph: Picasa/PRAida Edemariam2017-08-15T12:19:37Z12 of the UK's best driving pitstops – readers’ travel tipshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/uk-service-motorway-station-alternatives-driving-cafes-picnics
<p>Britain’s motorway service stations aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but there are great picnic spots, cafes, gardens and attractions just beyond the hard shoulder</p><p>Heading up to Bristol from Plymouth on the A38 we broke our journey by heading into Dartmoor to Hound Tor (a short drive off the A38 from Ashburton) to explore the rocky landscape and the <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hound-tor-deserted-medieval-village/">medieval ruins</a>. In the car park was The Hound of the Basket Meals food stand, which serves crab sandwiches, homemade burgers and lots of tea varieties. The landscape around is gorgeous and it’s just half a mile up to the tor. We also walked down to the ruins. It was quiet and beautiful there, with lots of bracken, thorns and heather. It isn’t hard to access Hound Tor and it’s far preferable to a service stop – and cheaper too.<br><strong>katie banks</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/uk-service-motorway-station-alternatives-driving-cafes-picnics">Continue reading...</a>United Kingdom holidaysFood and drinkRoad tripsFamily holidaysTravelFood & drinkThu, 10 Aug 2017 11:48:14 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/uk-service-motorway-station-alternatives-driving-cafes-picnicsPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyGuardian readers2017-08-10T11:48:14ZTake the kids to … National Motor Museum, Beaulieuhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/national-motor-museum-beaulieu-hampshire-cars-top-gear
<p>From Del Boy’s three-wheeler and Harry Potter’s Flying Ford Anglia to crazy Top Gear contraptions, this museum in the New Forest has tankfuls of va-va-voom</p><p>The grand family home of the motoring-mad Montagu family in the New Forest and the site of one of the finest collections of cars, motorbikes and motoring memorabilia in the world. There are more than 250 vehicles on display, from early motor carriages and 1920s “gangster” cars to legendary land-speed record breakers and motoring marvels, such as a giant orange on wheels. There’s also a full-size caravan made from Lego and familiar TV show cars, too, such as Del Boy’s Reliant Regal from Only Fools and Horses.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/national-motor-museum-beaulieu-hampshire-cars-top-gear">Continue reading...</a>Hampshire holidaysDay tripsFamily holidaysTheme parksEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelTue, 08 Aug 2017 11:40:27 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/national-motor-museum-beaulieu-hampshire-cars-top-gearPhotograph: Samantha Cook PhotographyPhotograph: Samantha Cook PhotographyKari Herbert2017-08-08T11:40:27Z'I've got my summer sorted': the holiday plans of authors, comedians, chefs and DJshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/05/summer-holiday-plans-writers-djs-broadcasters-celebrities-lorraine-kelly
<p>Celebrities share their holiday likes and dislikes, including Lorraine Kelly’s penchant for Antarctica, a kiss on a ferry for Huw Stephens and a drive in LA set to Beethoven’s Ninth for Shappi Khorsandi</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/05/summer-holiday-plans-writers-djs-broadcasters-celebrities-lorraine-kelly">Continue reading...</a>Summer holidaysBeach holidaysFamily holidaysTravelCelebrityLife and styleSat, 05 Aug 2017 06:00:04 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/05/summer-holiday-plans-writers-djs-broadcasters-celebrities-lorraine-kellyPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoThe Guardian2017-08-05T06:00:04ZTake the kids to … Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keyneshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/01/gullivers-land-milton-keynes-buckinghamshire-rides-children-theme-park
<p>With rides aimed at younger children and a relaxed atmosphere, this Buckinghamshire theme park offers a Brobdingnagian family day out</p><p>This is a cute little amusement park, part of a chain of three that are themed on the Jonathan Swift book, with a lovely laid-back vibe and aimed at families with children under the age of 13. There are plenty of rides to suit everyone, ranging from gentle ones for the smallest “Lilliputians”, lots offering a mid-range of excitement, plus a log flume, junior rollercoasters and a few higher-adrenaline rides to keep tweens happy. There are shows for little ones, loads of themed play zones, and special events and activities at certain times of the year. It has a separate indoor splash zone for £7 a session (£2 accompanying adult) and a NERF zone (foam guns; for over-sixes, £7).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/01/gullivers-land-milton-keynes-buckinghamshire-rides-children-theme-park">Continue reading...</a>Theme parksFamily holidaysDay tripsEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelTue, 01 Aug 2017 11:16:35 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/01/gullivers-land-milton-keynes-buckinghamshire-rides-children-theme-parkPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutHelen Gooding2017-08-01T11:16:35ZMore tips for cooking (or not) on holiday | Lettershttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/30/more-tips-for-cooking-or-not-on-holiday
<strong>Prateek Buch</strong> supplements Stephen Bush’s lessons on eating, drinking and preparing food while away from home, with a focus on travelling with children<p>Some further observations to augment Stephen Bush’s lessons about cooking on holiday (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/28/lessons-learned-about-cooking-on-holiday-stephen-bush-comment" title="">Don’t trust the hob</a>, Cook, 29 July), gleaned from an ongoing trip and mostly relevant specifically on holidays involving young children:</p><p>1) However tempting local varieties of fruit and vegetables may seem to the grownups, asking the child what they would like to eat results in one of two answers: pasta with pesto, or the more daring alternative, pesto pasta.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/30/more-tips-for-cooking-or-not-on-holiday">Continue reading...</a>Food & drinkFamily holidaysTravelFamilyLife and styleUK newsSun, 30 Jul 2017 18:42:09 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/30/more-tips-for-cooking-or-not-on-holidayPhotograph: Martin Lee/REXPhotograph: Martin Lee/REXLetters2017-07-30T18:42:09ZTake the kids to … Kynren, County Durhamhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/kynren-epic-tale-england-live-family-show-county-durham
<p>A cast of 1,500 reenacts 2,000 years of history in just 90 minutes in a show of Olympic-opening-ceremony proportions dubbed ‘an epic tale of England’</p><p>An outdoor live show that zips through 2,000 years of English history, with appearances from the Venerable Bede, Boudica, William the Conqueror, Cardinal Wolsey, William Shakespeare, Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and Kevin Whately (his voice, that is), not to mention a lifesize Norman longship, a revolving house and a replica moving steam train. Starting at dusk and ending in darkness, it’s told from the point of view of a time-travelling local lad, which draws in young audiences immediately.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/kynren-epic-tale-england-live-family-show-county-durham">Continue reading...</a>County DurhamUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelDay tripsFamily holidaysCultural tripsFri, 28 Jul 2017 09:30:22 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/kynren-epic-tale-england-live-family-show-county-durhamPhotograph: Peter HaygarthPhotograph: Peter HaygarthRachael Cosslett2017-07-28T09:30:22ZSend us a tip on northern Spain – and win a £200 hotel voucherhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/09/send-us-a-tip-on-northern-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher
<p>España Verde is renowned for food, landscape and history. Share your experiences of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque country for the chance to win our weekly prize</p><p>Spain’s northern coastal area boasts amazing seafood, fantastic architecture, verdant mountains and a dramatic coastline. Whether you’ve stayed in a <em>finca</em> deep in the interior or one of the region’s great cities, we want to hear about the restaurants, walks, beaches, local finds and places to stay that made your trip.</p><p>Send us a tip via <strong>GuardianWitness </strong>of <strong>around </strong><strong>100 words</strong>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/09/send-us-a-tip-on-northern-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher">Continue reading...</a>TravelWed, 09 Aug 2017 14:48:37 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/09/send-us-a-tip-on-northern-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucherPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: Alamy2017-08-09T14:48:37ZSend a tip on a UK pit stop – and win a £200 hotel voucherhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/send-a-tip-on-a-uk-pit-stop-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher
<p>Know a good alternative – a cafe, pub or picnic spot – to the monotony of a motorway service station? If so, we want to hear about it?</p><p>A good roadside pit stop can add to your journey, not simply break it. We want to know about memorable stop offs on or near a main road or motorway, where you can refuel (you, not the engine) and hit the road again feeling refreshed. It could be a quiet pub, truckers’ cafe serving great grub or even picturesque picnic spot to unwind for half an hour</p><p>Please include details of the setting, as well as the address and website.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/send-a-tip-on-a-uk-pit-stop-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher">Continue reading...</a>TravelFri, 28 Jul 2017 14:40:14 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/28/send-a-tip-on-a-uk-pit-stop-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucherPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoThe Guardian2017-07-28T14:40:14ZScuba diving trips around the world: readers’ tipshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/27/scuba-diving-holidays-sites-dive-companies-worldwide-reader-tips
<p>The Maldives and the Barrier Reef are famous scuba spots, but our readers also love some less obvious places for wrecks, weird fish and top diving companies</p><p>For some excellent muck diving (on organism-rich but murky sediment), head to the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia, home to critters such as the mimic octopus, hairy frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish. The <a href="https://kungkungan.com/">Kungkungan Bay Resort </a>(doubles from £116 B&amp;B) has a private jetty (you can come back to the hotel between dives for a nice hot shower!), a house reef which can only be dived by guests and special photo pros in residence who will share their photography tips. Diving is best towards the end of the dry season in September and October. <br><strong> Deepa Ramchandani</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/27/scuba-diving-holidays-sites-dive-companies-worldwide-reader-tips">Continue reading...</a>Diving holidaysWildlife holidaysAustralia holidaysIndonesia holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelThu, 27 Jul 2017 10:19:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/27/scuba-diving-holidays-sites-dive-companies-worldwide-reader-tipsPhotograph: davidevison/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: davidevison/Getty Images/iStockphotoGuardian readers2017-07-27T10:19:00Z10 of the best restaurants in rural Spain: readers’ travel tipshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/20/10-best-restaurants-rural-spain-andalucia-catalonia-mallorca
<p>From the mountains of northern Spain to the beaches of Andalucía and across to the Balearics, our readers have discovered fantastic places to eat</p><p>The picturesque medieval village of Pedraza, in Segovia, is 75 miles north of Madrid and popular at weekends with Madrileños who pack the numerous <em>asados</em> (restaurants specialising in roasts). My favourite is El Yantar on Plaza Major, serving traditional Castilian dishes but specialising in <em>cordero lechal</em> (milk-fed leg of lamb for a minimum of two people) and <em>cochinillo</em> (suckling pig), both of which are cooked slowly in a wood-burning oven for three hours. Wash it down with Ribero Del Duero, a decent red, and look out into the square – the Four Musketeers was filmed in the 1970s. <br>• <em>It is essential to book a table and choice of roast in advance, </em><a href="http://www.elyantardepedraza.com/en/"><em>elyantardepedraza.com</em></a><br><strong>Kevin Rusby</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/20/10-best-restaurants-rural-spain-andalucia-catalonia-mallorca">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysRestaurantsFood and drinkTop 10sTravelSpanish food and drinkRestaurantsThu, 20 Jul 2017 11:44:43 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/20/10-best-restaurants-rural-spain-andalucia-catalonia-mallorcaPhotograph: no creditPhotograph: no creditGuardian readers2017-07-20T11:44:43ZTell us about your favourite scuba diving trips and win a £200 hotel voucherhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/19/tell-us-about-your-favourite-scuba-diving-trips-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher
<p>Share stories of great scuba diving trips you’ve enjoyed anywhere in the world, in tropical waters or off home shores </p><p>Whether you’ve been on a particularly good dive amid tropical coral reefs or explored a shipwreck teeming with sealife, we want to hear about your experiences. Your tip can be about a particularly good dive company or guide, an off-the radar dive resort or even a diving holiday, as well as tales of marine life encounters.</p><p>Send us a tip via <strong>GuardianWitness </strong>of <strong>around </strong><strong>100 words</strong>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/19/tell-us-about-your-favourite-scuba-diving-trips-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher">Continue reading...</a>Diving holidaysWed, 19 Jul 2017 15:23:20 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/19/tell-us-about-your-favourite-scuba-diving-trips-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucherPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: Alamy2017-07-19T15:23:20ZSend a tip on great places to eat in rural Spain – and win a £200 hotel voucherhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/12/send-a-tip-on-great-places-to-eat-in-rural-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher
<p>Please share your experiences of excellent tapas bars and restaurants from the Spanish countryside</p><p>Whether you’re a fan of traditional regional fare or <em>la nuevo cocina</em> twists on the classics, we want a strong flavour of your discoveries among Spanish rural restaurants. We’re particularly interested in places that offer great value, and please include details of the setting, as well as the address and website. </p><p>Send us a tip via <strong>GuardianWitness </strong>of <strong>around </strong><strong>100 words</strong>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/12/send-a-tip-on-great-places-to-eat-in-rural-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucher">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysTravelWed, 12 Jul 2017 15:28:35 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/12/send-a-tip-on-great-places-to-eat-in-rural-spain-and-win-a-200-hotel-voucherPhotograph: Credit: Bon Appetit / Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Credit: Bon Appetit / Alamy Stock Photo2017-07-12T15:28:35ZSlow train through Spain: a narrow-gauge ride through España Verdehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/slow-train-spain-feve-railway-santander-asturias-galicia
<p>The Feve network is a long way off high-speed … which is perfect for taking in the coast, mountain views and charming towns of Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia</p><p>‘The whole way?”</p><p>“You’re not in a rush, are you?”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/slow-train-spain-feve-railway-santander-asturias-galicia">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysRail travelCultural tripsBasque country holidaysEurope holidaysTravelTue, 15 Aug 2017 05:30:06 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/slow-train-spain-feve-railway-santander-asturias-galiciaPhotograph: Steph WetherellPhotograph: Steph WetherellJo Keeling2017-08-15T05:30:06ZGoing Deutsch: a summer tour of Germany, part onehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/germany-summer-tour-walking-berchtesgaden-bavaria-hitler-eagles-nest
<p>Our trip starts with a few days’ hiking in Bavaria’s mountainous Berchtesgaden district – trying to avoid its most infamous resident</p><p>The late train to Berchtesgaden is not busy. A group of beefy young men in leather shorts with embroidered braces, who appear utterly Bavarian, get on with another group of young men who are stick-thin and chatting in Somali. I’m with Conor, my son, who now lives in Munich. Could these be recent arrivals? “Doubtful,” he says. “They look like they’re settled in.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/germany-summer-tour-walking-berchtesgaden-bavaria-hitler-eagles-nest">Continue reading...</a>Germany holidaysEurope holidaysWalking holidaysFood and drinkSummer holidaysTravelSat, 12 Aug 2017 10:00:42 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/germany-summer-tour-walking-berchtesgaden-bavaria-hitler-eagles-nestPhotograph: Kevin Rushby for the GuardianPhotograph: Kevin Rushby for the GuardianKevin Rushby2017-08-12T10:00:42ZUK road trip: Dorset to Cornwallhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-jurassic-coast-dorset-devon-cornwall-falmouth
<p>It’s golden beaches, epic views and fine seafood all the way along this lazy week-long route from the Jurassic Coast to foodie Falmouth<br><strong>More road trips: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-england-anglo-scottish-borders-castles">Anglo-Scottish Borders</a> | <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-scarborough-lake-istrict-coast-to-coast">coast to coast</a></strong></p><p><strong>Weymouth</strong> beach is broad and sandy and the colour of turmeric; a proper bucket-and-spade beach. Hire a deckchair, watch the Punch and Judy show or head up to the Victorian <a href="http://www.nothefort.org.uk/">Nothe Fort</a> for views across to the Isle of Portland and the Jurassic Coast. This is a pleasant way to spend a day before heading for Cornwall on a route that wanders through west Dorset and south Devon on slow-mo roads that hug the coast, taking in estuaries, moorland and two world heritage sites (the Jurassic Coast being one of them).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-jurassic-coast-dorset-devon-cornwall-falmouth">Continue reading...</a>Cornwall holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysDorset holidaysDevon holidaysRoad tripsBeach holidaysTravelSat, 12 Aug 2017 06:00:37 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/12/uk-road-trip-jurassic-coast-dorset-devon-cornwall-falmouthPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoLesley Gillilan2017-08-12T06:00:37ZA river-swimmer’s paradise in the heart of Englandhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/river-swimmer-paradise-northamptonshire-buckinghamshire-south-midlands
<p>It may be plain old open-water swimming rather than a wild adventure but the tranquil rivers near Oundle and Olney, in the south Midlands, have plenty of pulling power</p><p>Preconceptions about places we’ve never been are formed in a multitude of ways: what we read, watch or hear about it, and sometimes even the people who are from there – whether we like them or not. Occasionally, there are areas we have no idea about. For me, that <em>was</em> a section in the heart of England: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Midlands">the south Midlands</a>. Then I went to swim there.</p><p>“What’s this area called?” I had asked <a href="https://twitter.com/swanswimmer">Bryn Dymott</a>, my swimming guide for the day. Bryn had met me off the train in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and had rapidly transported us into … well, just where had he taken us?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/river-swimmer-paradise-northamptonshire-buckinghamshire-south-midlands">Continue reading...</a>Swimming holidaysEngland holidaysTravelTue, 08 Aug 2017 04:30:29 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/08/river-swimmer-paradise-northamptonshire-buckinghamshire-south-midlandsPhotograph: Jenny LandrethPhotograph: Jenny LandrethJenny Landreth2017-08-08T04:30:29ZBelly full: New York's bacon restaurant – and its nine-course tasting menuhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/06/belly-new-york-bacon-restaurant-nine-course-tasting-menu-brooklyn
<p>A new Korean-influenced restaurant in Williamsburg offers nine pork courses on an <em>omakase</em> basis, as well as a spot of karaoke</p><p>Bacon has made its way into burgers, cupcakes and even cocktails. Now there’s an all-bacon tasting menu. At Korean-influence eatery Belly, opened last month in Brooklyn, diners can feast on nine porky dishes ($45) from bacon sushi to bacon steak.</p><p>Despite the focus on bacon, it’s not the relentless grease-fest you might expect</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/06/belly-new-york-bacon-restaurant-nine-course-tasting-menu-brooklyn">Continue reading...</a>New York holidaysFood and drinkUnited States holidaysNorth and Central America holidaysRestaurantsTravelFood & drinkSun, 06 Aug 2017 11:00:39 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/06/belly-new-york-bacon-restaurant-nine-course-tasting-menu-brooklynPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutElisabeth Rosen2017-08-06T11:00:39Z‘Valencia’s cathedral is home to the holy grail’: novelist Jason Websterhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/valencia-cathedral-holy-grail-spanish-food-jason-webster
<p>Once the ugly sister of Spanish cities, Valencia has blossomed, with outstanding food and architecture. And for five days a year, it’s a city that doesn’t sleep</p><p><strong>Valencia is a jewel that foreigners are only beginning to discover.</strong> For years it was Spain’s unloved sister: in 1970, critic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/apr/25/modern-drama-kenneth-tynan">Kenneth Tynan</a> dubbed it “the world capital of anti-tourism”. To be in Valencia “is to be permanently 20 minutes this side of suicide”, one visitor told him. All that, thankfully, has changed, with a thorough face wash and big building projects. The gothic architecture is world class, and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/nov/17/weekend-valencia-complete-itinerary">Mercado Central</a> knocks the socks off Barcelona’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/aug/26/best-food-markets-around-world">La Boqueria market</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/valencia-cathedral-holy-grail-spanish-food-jason-webster">Continue reading...</a>Valencia holidaysFood and drinkBeach holidaysCity breaksShort breaksSpain holidaysEurope holidaysWeekend breaksTravelFri, 04 Aug 2017 11:30:42 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/04/valencia-cathedral-holy-grail-spanish-food-jason-websterPhotograph: Leonid Andronov/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: Leonid Andronov/Getty Images/iStockphotoJason Webster2017-08-04T11:30:42ZDestination unknown: the new way to book a mystery holidayhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/destination-unknown-the-new-way-to-book-a-mystery-holiday-srprs-me
<p>Liz Boulter didn’t know she was off to Porto until she got to the airport. All part of Dutch company srprs.me’s new holiday concept</p><p>‘He’s picked out restaurants for us already – even knows what he’s going to order.” My friend was talking about an upcoming city break meticulously planned by her husband, and while I could see how poring over restaurant websites might enhance his anticipation of a much-needed holiday, it seemed to kill any idea of exploration, of coming upon something thrilling or unexpected.</p><p>So when I saw that Dutch company srprs.me, founded in 2014 in Amsterdam, was launching its “surprise” holiday concept in the UK last month, I was intrigued. The idea is that you choose a type of holiday – city break or backpacking trip – the dates and budget, and srprs.me picks the destination and books flights and accommodation. All you get beforehand is a weather forecast and what time to be at the airport.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/destination-unknown-the-new-way-to-book-a-mystery-holiday-srprs-me">Continue reading...</a>Porto holidaysCity breaksPortugal holidaysWeekend breaksEurope holidaysShort breaksTravelMon, 31 Jul 2017 09:00:44 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/destination-unknown-the-new-way-to-book-a-mystery-holiday-srprs-mePhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoLiz Boulter2017-07-31T09:00:44Z10 of the best beach bars in Spainhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/10-best-beach-bars-spain-barcelona-bilbao-girona
<p>Spain decamps to the coast in the summer and life revolves around the chiringuitos where a meal, cold beer or just a break from the sun are what’s needed</p><p>Tumbao, a cool spot without pretension and imbued with something of a “Californian-days-of summer” vibe, offers everything anyone might need on a beach, from good company to healthy juice and <em>batidos</em> (shakes), an affordable buffet (€11 a head), and good views of kite-surfers from a supine vantage point on the cushions. In late afternoon, there’s a beach barbecue and the post-swim crowd arrives in search of icy beer, watermelon mojitos and music (there’s nearly always a DJ, often live bands as well). Tarifa’s not short of great chiringuitos, but Tumbao is one not to miss. <br>• <em>N-340, 10km from Tarifa; </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tumbaotarifa/"><em>on Facebook</em></a><em>, open daily Easter to early Oct, midday-midnight </em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/10-best-beach-bars-spain-barcelona-bilbao-girona">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysBars and clubsFood and drinkBeach holidaysTop 10sEurope holidaysTravelFood & drinkSpanish food and drinkMon, 31 Jul 2017 05:30:40 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/31/10-best-beach-bars-spain-barcelona-bilbao-gironaPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoSorrel Downer2017-07-31T05:30:40ZBordeaux by train: on the right line for winehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/30/bordeaux-by-train-high-speed-service-paris-wine-country
<p>A new fast train goes from Paris to Bordeaux in just over two hours, bringing France’s wine country even closer</p><p>As I crossed the hot, crowded concourse of Gare Montparnasse, Paris, I walked past a jazz band blasting out Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Approaching the ticket barrier, I was alarmed to see that the musicians had fallen into step behind me while still playing. They were not serenading me, however, but my train. This was the day <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/mar/17/new-tvg-high-speed-train-paris-bordeaux-france">the high-speed service from Paris to Bordeaux became even faster</a>: just over two hours rather than three and a quarter. If you’re travelling from London, the small adventure of the change in Paris is involved, transferring from a Eurostar to a TGV train, so it takes five hours and 50 minutes.<br></p><p>The trains to Bordeaux are either the new Duplex – or double-decker – ones or older, single-deck. Both would shame any British train.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/30/bordeaux-by-train-high-speed-service-paris-wine-country">Continue reading...</a>Bordeaux holidaysWine holidaysRail travelFood and drinkFrance holidaysEurope holidaysTravelWineFood & drinkLife and styleSun, 30 Jul 2017 06:00:12 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/30/bordeaux-by-train-high-speed-service-paris-wine-countryPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoAndrew Martin2017-07-30T06:00:12ZCousteau country: scuba diving in Papua New Guineahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/scuba-diving-papua-new-guinea-walindi-plantation-resort-jacques-cousteau-the-odyssey
<p>With a new film about Jacques Cousteau to be released, the Walindi Plantation Resort, the dive centre and institute he inspired, is still the first word in marine conservation. <strong>Plus: 5 more Cousteau divespots</strong></p><p>The moments before a dive are often awkward. I waddle across the stern of the boat, laden with heavy gear, my feet stupid with rubbery fins. A swell threatens to topple me. A lone eagle, seeking amusement, soars across from the jungled volcanic shore of New Britain, one of Papua New Guinea’s outlying islands. Then I step out towards the sea.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/scuba-diving-papua-new-guinea-walindi-plantation-resort-jacques-cousteau-the-odyssey">Continue reading...</a>Papua New Guinea holidaysDiving holidaysTravelCoralMarine lifeWildlifeEnvironmentAdventure travelSat, 29 Jul 2017 06:00:43 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/scuba-diving-papua-new-guinea-walindi-plantation-resort-jacques-cousteau-the-odysseyPhotograph: Kevin RushbyPhotograph: Kevin RushbyKevin Rushby2017-07-29T06:00:43ZVictoria Hislop: 'Patra represents the extremes of Greece – sublime and mundane’https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/victoria-hislop-patra-greece-chaos-joy
<p>It took the novelist a while, but she learned to love the chaos and joy of Greece’s third-largest city</p><p><strong>When I visited Patra for the first time, I was baffled.</strong> Driving in from Athens through the modern sprawl along the coast, I couldn’t understand how the third largest city in Greece could be so lacking in charm. Where were the string of seafront restaurants that I was expecting, the sixth-century fortress and the museum? The two images that I took away then were of a kitsch hotel modelled on a castle, complete with crenellations: its windows were boarded up and weeds grew from the entrance. It was like something from a nightmarish, abandoned Disneyland. And then there was a sad, rusting ferry languishing in the port, its name, Ionian Queen, only emphasising the sense of a lost but glorious past.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/victoria-hislop-patra-greece-chaos-joy">Continue reading...</a>Greece holidaysCultural tripsGreek Islands holidaysEurope holidaysHeritageTravelBooksCultureFictionSat, 29 Jul 2017 09:00:46 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/29/victoria-hislop-patra-greece-chaos-joyPhotograph: Werner Otto / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: Werner Otto / Alamy/AlamyVictoria Hislop2017-07-29T09:00:46ZSpain road trip: Málaga to Jerezhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/southern-spain-road-trip-malaga-ronda-jerez-andalucia
<p>This route starts on the Costa del Sol and heads up into Andalucía’s mountains and white villages before hitting the tapas and flamenco bars of Jerez<br>• <strong>More Spain road trips: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/spain-road-trip-san-sebastian-zaragoza-pamplona-valencia-hotels-restaurants">San Sebastián-Valencia</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/madrid-santiago-de-compostela-burgos-spain-road-trip">Madrid-Santiago de Compostela</a></strong></p><p> In <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jul/25/malaga-holiday-guide-spain-best-hotels-bars-restaurants"><strong>Málaga</strong></a> enjoy arty sophistication before heading into the wilds. Of the city’s many museums and galleries, the <a href="http://carmenthyssenmalaga.org/"><strong>Carmen Thyssen</strong></a>, the <a href="http://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en/home"><strong>Picasso Museum</strong></a><strong> </strong>and the <a href="http://cacmalaga.eu/"><strong>Contemporary Art Centre</strong></a> cover the classics and the surprising. The <strong>Muelle Uno</strong> complex on the harbourside is a nice, glitzy place to browse white clothes and drink wine by yachts before walking east along the seafront to <strong>Playa de la Malagueta</strong> for a swim. (For those who want more serious beach time, the gorgeous coves of Nerja are just an hour’s drive away.) The modern <a href="http://hoteldelpintor.com/en/"><strong>Hotel del Pintor</strong></a><strong> </strong>(doubles from €69 room-only) is a fine example of the old town’s affordable accommodation options, while <strong>La Esquinita del Chupa y Tira</strong> (Calle Victoria, 31), a <em>tabanco</em> – corner shop-cum-bar – below the slopes of the Gibralfaro castle, is a refreshing alternative to touristy tapas bars.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/southern-spain-road-trip-malaga-ronda-jerez-andalucia">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysAndalucia holidaysRoad tripsHotelsRestaurantsSpanish food and drinkTravelSat, 22 Jul 2017 06:00:31 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/southern-spain-road-trip-malaga-ronda-jerez-andaluciaPhotograph: Gavin Hellier/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Gavin Hellier/Getty ImagesSorrel Downer2017-07-22T06:00:31ZSpain road trip: San Sebastián to Valenciahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/spain-road-trip-san-sebastian-zaragoza-pamplona-valencia-hotels-restaurants
<p>This route kicks off with the dazzling food and art of the Basque country before traversing Navarre and Aragon and heading south to Spain’s paella capital<br>• <strong>More Spain road trips: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/southern-spain-road-trip-malaga-ronda-jerez-andalucia">Málaga-Jerez</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/madrid-santiago-de-compostela-burgos-spain-road-trip">Madrid-Santiago de Compostela</a></strong></p><p><strong>San Sebastián</strong> (or Donostia in Basque) is one of the most elegant coastal towns on the Iberian peninsula. It’s also a mecca for foodies, with more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere in the world except Kyoto. For a town with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants, it has a lot to offer. Install yourself in <a href="http://en.hotelniza.com/"><strong>Hotel Niza</strong></a> (doubles from €85 room only) and take a walk along the seafront to the <strong>Peine del Viento</strong> (Comb of the Wind), a sculpture by local artist Eduardo Chillida. There’s an open-air sculpture park dedicated to his work in the nearby town of Hernani.Eat standing up in any of the pintxo bars in the old town – <a href="http://www.restaurantegandarias.com/en/menu/menu"><strong>Gandarias</strong></a> (fish main from €14, Kalea 31 de Agosto) is especially good – or take a five-minute trip on the tiny ferry across the mouth of the river from <strong>Pasaia</strong> to <strong>San Juan</strong> and dine at <a href="http://www.restaurantetxulotxo.com/es/"><strong>Txulotxo</strong></a> (five courses from €35) which does superb fish and seafood with a view out to sea. The San Sebastián area also boasts some of the best surf in Europe, and you can hire everything you need along the seafront or at the resort town of <strong>Zarautz</strong> about 10km west of the city.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/spain-road-trip-san-sebastian-zaragoza-pamplona-valencia-hotels-restaurants">Continue reading...</a>Spain holidaysValencia holidaysSan Sebastián holidaysEurope holidaysTravelRoad tripsBasque country holidaysSat, 22 Jul 2017 06:00:31 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jul/22/spain-road-trip-san-sebastian-zaragoza-pamplona-valencia-hotels-restaurantsPhotograph: Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty ImagesStephen Burgen2017-07-22T06:00:31ZFirst Venice and Barcelona: now anti-tourism marches spread across Europehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/anti-tourism-marches-spread-across-europe-venice-barcelona
<p>Demos in San Sebastián and crackdowns in Rome and Dubrovnik as locals vent frustration at city-breakers and cruise ships</p><p>With the continent sweltering under a heatwave nicknamed Lucifer, tempers have been boiling over, too, as a wave of anti-tourism protests take place in some of Europe’s most popular destinations. Yet, as “tourism-phobia” becomes a feature of the summer, the World Tourism Organisation<em> </em>(UNWTO)<em> </em>has defended the sector, calling on local authorities to do more to manage growth in a sustainable manner. </p><p>Ensuring tourism is an enriching experience for visitors and hosts alike demands strong, sustainable tourism policies</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/anti-tourism-marches-spread-across-europe-venice-barcelona">Continue reading...</a>City breaksBarcelona holidaysSan Sebastián holidaysRome holidaysDubrovnik holidaysEurope holidaysTravelEuropeWorld newsThu, 10 Aug 2017 05:30:29 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/10/anti-tourism-marches-spread-across-europe-venice-barcelonaPhotograph: muckylucky via Guardian WitnessPhotograph: muckylucky via Guardian WitnessWill Coldwell2017-08-10T05:30:29Z10 of the best travel apps … that you'll actually usehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jan/02/10-best-travel-apps-free-paid-for
<p>No one needs a smartphone full of gimmicky apps. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best tools for the digital-savvy traveller<br></p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/06/top-10-useful-travel-apps">The updated 2017 version of the best travel apps</a></strong></li></ul><p>For a long time, whenever I was spotted using Google Maps to navigate London’s public transport network a friend would look over and prod: “Oh, don’t you use Citymapper?” Eventually, I relented. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jan/02/10-best-travel-apps-free-paid-for">Continue reading...</a>Top 10sTravel websitesTravelAppsTechnologySat, 02 Jan 2016 07:00:03 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jan/02/10-best-travel-apps-free-paid-forPhotograph: JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images/Blend ImagesPhotograph: JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images/Blend ImagesWill Coldwell2016-01-02T07:00:03Z10 of the best travel apps ... that you'll actually use: part twohttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/06/top-10-useful-travel-apps
<p>Ever needed to make a cheap international call without the internet, or been worried about security as you move between wifi hotspots? These apps make travel safer, easier and cheaper</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jan/02/10-best-travel-apps-free-paid-for"><strong>Part one</strong></a></li></ul><p>Skype and Whatsapp will always be staples when it comes to international calling and messaging, but a wifi connection is needed to use them. To make cheap calls around the world without the internet (or faffing around with phonecards), the app to choose is Rebtel. By “hijacking” local phonelines, it gets the best available calling rates. Recently launched, it is currently offering a “Rebel calling” deal, which means friends or family can be called for free if they are also using the app (until 2018). </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/06/top-10-useful-travel-apps">Continue reading...</a>Travel websitesTop 10sTravelAppsTechnologyMon, 06 Feb 2017 06:30:19 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/06/top-10-useful-travel-appsPhotograph: jeffbergen/Getty ImagesPhotograph: jeffbergen/Getty ImagesWill Coldwell2017-02-06T06:30:19ZTop 10 national parks in Californiahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/sep/17/top-10-national-parks-california
<p>Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Redwood … California’s national and state parks are home to some of the most iconic views and landscapes on the planet. Here’s how to explore them</p><p>It sounds like a place to avoid, but don't let the ominous name scare you away. Most of the year, this vast and rugged expanse of east Californian desert is brutally hot, but visit in winter or early spring (though even in the dead of winter, midday temperatures can hit 30C) and you'll find a surprisingly beautiful and vibrant place.&nbsp;First-time visitors are often awestruck by the desert's vivid colours. For thousands of years, the people of the Timbisha tribe thrived here, migrating seasonally between the valley floor and more fertile mountains. The name Death Valley was bestowed in 1849 by a band of lost California-bound gold rushers, one of whom did actually die while trying to cross it. The legend doesn't seem to deter runners of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/sep/06/dragons-back-race-wales-ultramarathons" title="">Badwater Ultramarathon</a>, a 135-mile race across the vast valley held in mid-July.&nbsp;</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/sep/17/top-10-national-parks-california">Continue reading...</a>California holidaysTravelUnited States holidaysNorth and Central America holidaysNational parksEnvironmentWalking holidaysAdventure travelTop 10sUS national and state parks holidaysTue, 17 Sep 2013 04:59:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/sep/17/top-10-national-parks-californiaPhotograph: Beatrice De Gea/APLate afternoon light tints the mountains as two hikers trek across sand dunes in Death Valley. Photograph: Beatrice De Gea/APPhotograph: Beatrice De Gea/APLate afternoon light tints the mountains as two hikers trek across sand dunes in Death Valley. Photograph: Beatrice De Gea/APMary Caperton Morton2013-09-17T04:59:00Z10 of the best Las Vegas casino secretshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/nov/16/top-10-vegas-casino-secrets
Want to look like a Vegas hotshot? Then learn the bar, casino and free-stuff rules from Las Vegas Weekly's <strong>Rick Lax</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/las-vegas-city-guide" title=""><strong>• As featured in our Las Vegas city guide</strong></a><p>If you sit down to play poker and the dealer greets everybody at the table by name, leave. These players are locals. They play every day. They make their living off chumps like you. So ask the floor supervisor for a table change. Or rack up your chips and head to a different poker room. You want a game in which you're playing against other tourists. Drunk ones, ideally. Use the time change to your advantage: head to the poker room at 3am, when the clubs are clearing out. Try the Venetian. Its poker room is right below megaclub TAO. All those drunk, sexually frustrated guys pouring down the two-storey escalator? They're coming to play poker against you. You can beat 'em. You got this.<br>• <em>Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, +1 702 414 1000, </em><a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Casino/Poker-Room/" title=""><em>venetian.com/poker-room</em></a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/nov/16/top-10-vegas-casino-secrets">Continue reading...</a>Top 10sLas Vegas holidaysUnited States holidaysNorth and Central America holidaysTravelCity breaksShort breaksWed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:04 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/nov/16/top-10-vegas-casino-secretsPhotograph: AlamyAvoid career gamblers, you will only lose. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAvoid career gamblers, you will only lose. Photograph: AlamyRick Lax2011-11-16T11:00:04ZTop 10 beaches in Hong Konghttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/04/top-10-beaches-hong-kong
Hong Kong isn't all banks and skyscrapers. There are plenty of great beaches to swim, sunbathe, surf and windsurf on, says <strong>Vaudine England</strong> – and don't be put off by the shark nets<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/hong-kong-city-guide"><strong>• As featured in our Hong Kong city guide</strong></a><p>Most visitors to Lantau Island aim for the orderly sands of Silvermine Bay, the closest beach to the ferry port at Mui Wo, but better swimming can be had along Lantau's southern coast at Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches. These are the longest stretches of sand in Hong Kong, ringed by peaks and, closer by, South African restaurant <a href="http://thestoep.com/" title="">The Stoep</a>, and High Tide, a Thai-Chinese eatery where most of the ingredients are grown in its garden. Just beyond Lower Cheung Sha Beach is Tong Fuk, another fine stretch of wild sand and sea edged with rocks. <br>• <em>After getting the ferry from Central to Mui Wo, take buses 1, 2, 4 or A35 along the South Lantau Road</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/04/top-10-beaches-hong-kong">Continue reading...</a>Hong Kong holidaysBeach holidaysTravelAsiaChina holidaysCity breaksSwimming holidaysTop 10sFamily holidaysWed, 04 Jul 2012 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/04/top-10-beaches-hong-kongPhotograph: AlamyCheung Sha beach, Lantau Island ... the longest stretches of sand in Hong Kong. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyCheung Sha beach, Lantau Island ... the longest stretches of sand in Hong Kong. Photograph: AlamyVaudine England2012-07-04T11:00:00ZTop 10 yoga retreats in Indiahttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jun/21/top-10-yoga-retreats-holidays-india
<p>India is a dream destination for many yogis, but with so many ashrams and courses, how do you choose wisely? From the hardcore to the boutique, we select 10 of the best places to practise yoga</p><p>Though this list includes some of the best ashrams, retreats and shalas India has to offer, there are three notable omissions: <a href="http://bksiyengar.com/">BKS Iyengar’s school</a> in Pune, <a href="http://kpjayi.org/">Pattabhi Jois’s</a> in Mysore, and the pan-Indian <a href="http://www.sivananda.org/">Sivananda Centre</a>, excluded on account of their existing popularity and fame. They are highly recommended nonetheless. Several other places were vetoed on account of various scandals and disputes, and I have also excluded luxurious and obscenely priced retreats.</p><p>As with many things in India today, yoga doesn’t necessarily come cheap but all of these are very good value given the quality of teaching on offer. Be advised that customer service in India isn’t always the best, and some of the more traditional places might prove hard to contact. But be patient, persevere, switch to “Indian-time” and, if you must, see it as the first step in letting go of your ego.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jun/21/top-10-yoga-retreats-holidays-india">Continue reading...</a>Yoga holidaysIndia holidaysAsiaTravelHealth and fitness holidaysFitnessHealth & wellbeingYogaLife and styleTop 10sTue, 21 Jun 2016 05:30:11 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jun/21/top-10-yoga-retreats-holidays-indiaPhotograph: Purple Valley YogaPhotograph: Purple Valley YogaDeepti Kapoor2016-06-21T05:30:11ZTop 10 things to do in Hội An, Vietnamhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/26/top-10-things-to-do-hoi-an-vietnam-temples-pho-beaches
<p>Fabulous fresh food is the order of the day – every day – in this ancient riverside town. But explore the temples and beaches by bicycle and all those grilled dishes and pho will have been well-earned</p><p>Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Huế, has the sights – temples, tombs and the Purple Forbidden City – but much of it was destroyed during the “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War">American war</a>” (from 1955 to 1975). The ancient town of Hội An, 100km south, down the coast, is a much more beguiling place to spend a few days, with its lazy river lined with mustard-yellow merchants’ houses, and beaches a few kilometres away. It owes its wonderfully well-preserved state to the silting-up of the Thu Bồn river in the 19th century, which put an end to its importance as a trading post, but helped it escape modern development and US bombing. Yes, it’s touristy, but the old town is surprisingly extensive and can absorb a lot of visitors without losing its dreamy atmosphere. And while much of Vietnam, to both north and south, gets a thorough soaking in summer, the central coast is at its driest and sunniest in May, June and July.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/26/top-10-things-to-do-hoi-an-vietnam-temples-pho-beaches">Continue reading...</a>Vietnam holidaysFood and drinkAsiaTop 10sTravelVietnamese food and drinkFood & drinkLife and styleWed, 26 Apr 2017 05:30:28 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/26/top-10-things-to-do-hoi-an-vietnam-temples-pho-beachesPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoLiz Boulter2017-04-26T05:30:28ZGuide to Patagonia: what to do, how to do it, and where to stayhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/13/guide-to-patagonia-chile-argentina-where-to-stay
<p>Forty years ago this month, Bruce Chatwin visited Patagonia and his subsequent book lit a beacon for the remote region in many travellers’ minds. Chris Moss picks the highlights among its peaks, glaciers and lakes</p><p>For my first forays into Patagonia, in the 1990s, I left behind my guidebooks and travelogues. Travelling light, I was blown away by big, jagged mountaintop glaciers and – more literally – the fierce westerlies that gusted summer long. Between the gawping and the roast lamb dinners, I struggled to make sense of German settlements, Tehuelche place names, Anglophile ranch-owners and ruddy Welsh faces on the coast; crossing the empty steppe, I wondered why any of these would come to such an arid, godforsaken place to make a home.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/13/guide-to-patagonia-chile-argentina-where-to-stay">Continue reading...</a>Patagonia holidaysTravelArgentina holidaysChile holidaysAdventure travelWhale watching holidaysHorse riding holidaysCamping holidaysWalking holidaysSouth America holidaysSat, 13 Dec 2014 06:59:03 GMThttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/dec/13/guide-to-patagonia-chile-argentina-where-to-stayPhotograph: /AlamyThe Torres del Paine mountains, Chile Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: /AlamyThe Torres del Paine mountains, Chile Photograph: AlamyChris Moss2014-12-13T06:59:03Z